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JEREMIAH 


JEREMIAH 

A  Drama  in  Nine  Scenes 
By 

STEFAN  ZWEIG 


Translated 
from  the  Author's  revised  German  Text 

by 
Eden  and  Cedar  Paul 


^ 


New  York 
THOMAS     SELTZER 

1922 


Copyright,    1922,    by 
Thomas  Seltzer,  Inc. 


Printed  in  the  United  States  of  America 


TO 

FRIEDERIKE  MARIA  von  WINTERNITZ 


Easter  1915 — Easter  1917 


CONTENTS 


SCENE 

I.  The  Awakening  of  the  Prophet 

II.  The  Warning 

III.  Rumors 

IV.  The  Watch  on  the  Ramparts 
V.  The  Prophet^s  Ordeal 

VI.  Voices  in  the  Night     . 

VII.  The  Supreme  Affliction 

VIII.  The  Conversion 

IX.  The  Everlasting  Road 


PAGE 
I 

27 

71 

99 
137 
173 
231 

259 
303 


THE  AWAKENING  OF  THE 
PROPHET 


THE  PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAMA 

Zedekiah,  the  King. 

Pashur,  the  High  Priest. 

Nahum,  the  Steward. 

Imre,  the  oldest  Burgher. 

Abimelech,  the  General. 

Hananiah,  the  Prophet  of  the  People.. 

SWORDBEARERS,  WaRRIORS. 


Jeremiah. 
His  Mother. 
JocHEBED,  a  Relative. 
Ahab,  the  Servingman. 
Baruch,  a  young  Man. 
Zebulon,  his  Father. 


The  People  of  Jerusalem. 

The  Envoys  of  Nebuchadnezzar. 

Chaldean  and  Egyptian  Warriors. 


The  action  takes  place  in  Jerusalem  at  the 
time  of  the  Destruction  of  the  City. 


SCENE  ONE 

Call  unto  me,  and  I  will  answer  thee,  and  show  thee 
great  and  mighty  things,  which  thou  knowest  not. 
Jeremiah  XXXIII,  3. 


SCENE  ONE 

The  'fiat  roof  of  Jeremiah's  house;  the  white  flag- 
stones gleam  in  the  dim  moonlight.  Below  are  seen 
the  towers  and  battlements  of  sleeping  Jerusalem. 
Nothing  stirs,  save  that  from  time  to  time  we  hear 
the  whispering  of  the  breeze  that  heralds  the  dawn. 

Of  a  sudden,  impetuous  footsteps  sound  upon  the 
stair,  Jeremiah  staggers  in;  his  robe  is  torn  open 
at  the  throat;  he  gasps  like  one  being  strangled. 

Jeremiah 

They  batter  in  the  gates  ...  to  the  walls  ...  to  the 
walls!  .  .  .  Faithless  watchmen  .  .  .  they  are  com- 
ing .   .  .  they  are  upon  us.   .  .   .  The  temple  is  in 

flames Help,  help!  .  .  .  The  walls  are  breached.  . .  . 

\He  has  rushed  forward  to  the  edge  of  the  roofy  where 
he  abruptly  stops.  His  cry  rends  the  shimmering 
silence.  With  a  starts  he  awakens  from  his  trance. 
He  looks  forth  over  the  town  like  a  drunken  man;  his 
arms,  which  in  his  terror  he  has  raised,  sink  slowly  to 
his  sides;  then  wearily  he  draws  his  hand  across  his 
open  eyes}  Illusion!  Once  again  these  terrible  vis- 
ions. Full,  how  full,  is  the  House  of  Dreams!  [He 
leans  on  the  parapet  and  gazes  down]  Peace  broods 
over  the  cityj  the  country  is  at  peace;  in  me  alone,  in 
my  breast  alone,  this  fire  rages.  How  quietly  the 
town  reposes  in  God's  arms,  nestling  in  slumber,  roofed 
over  by  peace,  the  moonbeams  falling  on  every  house, 
and  every  house  plunged  in  gentle  sleep.     But  I,  I 

5 


6  JEREMIAH 

alone,  am  consumed  with  fire  night  after  night;  I  crash 
earthward  with  the  falling  towers,  rush  to  escape,  per- 
ish amid  the  flames j  I,  and  none  but  I,  my  bowels 
troubled,  leap  heated  from  my  bed  and  stagger  forth 
into  the  moonlight  seeking  coolness!  For  me  alone 
comes  a  vision  to  shatter  sleep  j  for  me  alone  does  a 
fiery  horror  wrench  the  darkness  from  my  lids.  The 
martyrdom  of  this  vision;  the  madness  of  these  faces 
which  swarm  in  their  blood-stained  multitude  and  then 
fade  in  the  clear  moonlight! 

Always  the  same  dream,  the  same  illusion.  Night 
after  night,  the  same  terror  seizes  me,  the  same  dream, 
culminating  in  the  same  torment.  Who  has  instilled 
this  dream  poison  into  my  veins?  Who  hunts  me 
thus  with  terror?  Who  covets  my  sleep,  that  he  must 
rob  me  of  it;  who  is  my  torturer,  and  for  whom  must 
I  thus  hold  vigil?  Answer!  Who  art  thou,  invisible  one, 
aiming  at  me  from  the  darkness  thy  winged  shafts? 
Who  art  thou,  terror  incarnate,  coming  to  lie  with  me 
by  night,  quickening  me  with  thy  spirit  until  my  frame 
is  twisted  as  with  labor  pains?  Wherefore  in  this 
slumbering  city  should  the  curse  be  laid  on  me  alone? 
[He  is  silent y  straining  his  ear  to  the  all-fervading 
silence y  and  then  continues  with  growing  excitement^ 
Silence,  nothing  but  silence,  while  within  is  unceasing 
turmoil  and  storm-tossed  night.  With  scorching  talons 
it  tears  at  my  vitals  and  yet  cannot  grasp  them.  I  am 
scourged  with  visions,  and  know  not  who  holds  the 
scourge.  My  cries  go  forth  into  the  void.  Desist, 
invisible  hunter,  or  if  it  must  be  otherwise,  seize  your 
quarry;  call  to  me  when  I  wake,  not  when  I  sleep; 
speak  to  me  in  words,  not  in  visions.  Reveal  what  you 
are  hiding  from  me;  tell  me  the  meaning  of  these 
torments. 


AWAKENING  OF  THE  PROPHET  7 

A  Voice 

[Calling  softly  from  the  darkness.  It  seems  to 
come  from'  far  above  or  far  beneath,  m,ysterious  in  its 
remoteness^  Jeremiah! 

Jeremiah 

[Staggers  as  if  struck  by  a  stone]  Who  calls? 
Surely  I  heard  my  name?  Was  it  a  voice  from  the 
stars,  or  was  it  the  voice  of  my  own  dream?  [He 
listens.  All  is  quiet  again]  Is  it  thou,  invisible  one, 
who  huntest  me  and  tormentest  me?  Or  is  it  I  myself  j 
is  it  the  fierce  current  of  my  own  blood?  Voice,  speak 
once  more,  that  I  may  know  thee.  Call  to  me  once 
again. 

The  Voice 
[Drawing  nearer]  Jeremiah!] 

Jeremiah 

[Quailing,  sinks  to  his  knees]  Here  am  I,  Lord! 
Thy  servant  heareth.  [Breathless  he  hearkens. 
Nothing  stirs;  he  trembles  with  emotion]  Speak,  Lord, 
to  thy  servant.  Thou  didst  call  my  name.  Give  me 
thy  message  that  I  may  understand  it.  I  am  ready  for 
thy  word  and  await  thy  command.  [He  listens  again 
with  strained  attention.  Profound  silence]  Is  it 
presumption  that  I  should  long  for  thee?  I  am  no 
more  than  an  ignorant  fellow,  a  man  of  no  account,  a 
speck  of  dust  in  the  world  thou  hast  made,  but  thine 
is  all  power  of  choice.  Thou  who  choosest  kings  from 
among  shepherds,  and  who  often  unsealest  the  lips  of 
a  boy  so  that  he  glows  with  thy  speech,  thy  choice  is 


8  JEREMIAH 

made  by  other  tokens.  Whom  thou  touchest,  Lord,  he 
is  chosen  J  whom  thou  choosest,  Lord,  he  is  appointed. 
If  it  were  thy  call  which  came  to  me,  lo  I  have 
hearkened  to  the  call.  If  it  be  thou,  Lord,  who 
huntest  me,  I  flee  thee  not.  Seize  thy  quarry.  Lord, 
seize  thy  preyj  or  hunt  me  yet  farther  to  the  goal! 
But  make  thyself  known,  that  I  may  not  fail  theej 
reveal  the  heaven  of  thy  word,  that  I,  thy  servant,  may 
behold  thee! 

The  Voice 

[Nearer  and  more  urgent^  Jeremiah! 

Jeremiah 

[Rapturously'\  I  hear,  Lord,  I  hear.  With  all  my 
soul  I  listen  to  thy  word.  Unworthy  vessel  that  I  am, 
I  wait  to  be  filled  with  thy  message.  I  vow  myself  to 
thy  service.  Lord,  to  thine  alone,  for  my  soul  is  athirst 
to  serve  thee.     I  await  thy  word  and  thy  sign. 

The  Voice  of  Jeremiah's  Mother 

\Now  close  at  hand  and  fla'mly  recognizable^ 
Jeremiah! 

Jeremiah 

[In  ecstasy]  Show  thyself  to  me.  Lord;  my  heart 
is  racked  with  the  imminence  of  thy  coming.  Pour 
forth  thy  waters,  holy  storm;  plough  me  up,  that  I 
may  bear  thy  seed;  make  my  earth  fruitful,  inspire  my 
lips;  brand  me  with  the  mark  of  thy  service!  Set  thy 
yoke  upon  me.  See,  my  neck  is  bowed  in  readiness, 
for  thine  am  I,  thine  for  evermore.  Make  thyself 
known  to  me,  Lord,  even  as  I  know  thee;  let  me  but 


AWAKENING  OF  THE  PROPHET         9 

see  thy  glory,  even  as  thou  lookest  down  upon  my 
un worthiness  in  the  gloom  j  deign  only  to  show  me  the 
way  of  thy  will,  point  the  way  to  him  who  is  thy 
servant  for  ever! 

The  Mother 

\^Her  search  has  led  her  up  the  stair;  her  counte- 
nance shows  anxiety y  her  voice  is  full  of  tenderness^ 
Here  at  last  I  find  you,  my  son. 

Jeremiah 

\S fringing  to  his  feet  in  fear  and  wrath\  Begone! 
Alas  the  voices  are  stilled  j  the  way  is  lost,  never  shall 
I  find  it  again. 

The  Mother 

Woe  is  me,  why  do  you  stand  here  so  thinly  clad  in 
the  chill  night  air?  Come  down,  my  son.  The 
morning  mist  brings  fever. 

Jeremiah 

[Wildly]  Why  do  you  follow  me,  why  do  you 
pester  me?  Unending  chase.  You  follow  me  with- 
out pause,  waking  or  sleeping. 

The  Mother 

Jeremiah,  what  do  you  mean?  I  was  sleeping 
below,  and  then  I  seemed  to  hear  people  talking  on  the 
roof. 

Jeremiah 

You  heard,  you  too?  God's  holy  truth!  You 
heard  him  speak?      Understood  his  call? 


10  JEREMIAH 

The  Mother 
Whom  do  you  mean?      You  have  no  companion. 

Jeremiah 

[Seizing  her  arm]  Mother,  tell  me  I  beseech  you. 
Death  or  joy  hangs  upon  your  words.  Did  you  hear  a 
voice}  did  you  hear  it  after  you  had  awakened? 

The  Mother 

I  heard  a  voice  on  the  roof  and  went  to  summon  you. 
But  your  bed  was  cold  and  empty.  Then  fear  came 
upon  me,  and  I  called  your  name. 

Jeremiah 
[Trembling]  You  called  my  name? 

The  Mother 
Thrice  did  I  call  you.     But  why  .   .  ,.. 

Jeremiah 
Thrice?      Mother,  are  you  certain  .    .    . 

The  Mother 
Thrice  did  I  call  you. 

Jeremiah 
[His  voice  breaking]  Disaster  and  derision!      Fraud 


AWAKENING  OF  THE  PROPHET        ii 

everywhere,    without    and    within.      There   came    an 
earnest  call,  and  in  my  terror  I  thought  it  was  God. 


The  Mother 

How  strange  you  are!  I  meant  no  harm.  Since 
there  was  no  answer,  I  came  to  the  roof  to  see  if  there 
was  anyone  here.     I  found  no  one. 


Jeremiah 

Nay,  you  found  a  madman.  The  torture  of  these 
visions!  Sense  and  nonsense  join  in  cheating  me,  I 
am  befooled  by  my  own  fantasy. 

The  Mother 

What  are  you  talking  about?  What  is  troubling 
you.? 

Jeremiah 

Nothing,  Mother,  nothing.  Pay  no  heed  to  my 
words. 

The  Mother 

I  must  heed  them,  Jeremiah  j  but  they  are  dark  to 
me.  An  evil  mood  has  beset  you,  and  has  estranged 
you  from  me.  What  has  happened j  what  is  tor- 
menting you? 

Jeremiah 

Nothing  is  tormenting  me,  Mother.  I  was  too  hot 
in  bed,  and  sought  the  roof  for  coolness. 


12  JEREMIAH 

The  Mother 

You  are  closing  your  heart  to  me,  and  yet  I  can  read 
you.  I  know  that  night  after  night  for  months  past 
you  have  been  wandering  about.  I  have  often  heard 
you  groaning  in  your  sleep.  When  you  have  left 
your  bed  to  walk  restlessly  in  the  darkness,  my  heart 
has  followed  your  every  step.  Tell  me  your  troubles. 
Shut  not  yourself  away  from  me. 

Jeremiah 
Do  not  concern  yourself  about  it.  Mother. 

The  Mother 

How  can  I  help  but  concern  myself  about  it?  Are 
you  not  the  day  of  my  days  and  the  prayer  of  my 
nights?  You  have  outgrown  the  arms  which  used  to 
carry  youj  but  I  still  hold  you  in  my  soul,  which 
watches  over  your  life.  I  knew,  ere  you  yourself  were 
aware  J  I  saw  months  ago,  before  you  yourself  had 
seen.  I  saw  the  shadow  upon  your  brow  and  the 
anguish  of  your  soul.  You  have  become  a  stranger  to 
your  friends;  you  shun  merrymakings;  you  keep  away 
from  the  marketplace  and  from  the  dwellings  of  men. 
Buried  in  thought,  you  renounce  life.  Jeremiah, 
bethink  yourself.  You  were  trained  for  the  priest- 
hood. Your  father's  mantle  awaits  you,  that  you  may 
praise  the  Lord  with  psaltery  and  song.  Look  forth 
from  the  darkness  into  the  daylight.  The  hour  has 
come  for  you  to  begin  your  life's  work. 

Jeremiah 

Not  now  the  time  for  beginnings.  The  end  draws 
nigh. 


AWAKENING  OF  THE  PROPHET        13 

The  Mother 

It  is  time!  It  is  time!  Long  since  have  you  grown 
to  manhood.  The  house  has  need  of  a  wife,  and  of 
children  to  raise  up  seed  to  your  father. 

Jeremiah 

[In  bitter  distress^  Lead  a  wife  home  to  desolation? 
Beget  children  for  the  slaughter?  In  sooth,  it  is  not 
the  bridal  hour  that  approaches! 

The  Mother 
I  do  not  understand. 

Jeremiah 

Shall  I  build  a  house  in  the  abyss?  Shall  I  build 
my  life  in  death?  Shall  I  sow  corruption,  and  sing 
the  praises  of  disaster?  I  say  unto  you,  Mother, 
blessed  is  he  whose  heart  is  now  free  from  ties  to  the 
living,  for  whosoever  breathes  this  day  is  already 
drinking  the  waters  of  death. 

The  Mother 

What  mad  fancy  has  seized  you?  When  were  the 
times  more  propitious?  When  was  the  land  more 
peaceful? 

Jeremiah 

No,  Mother,  the  fools  say:  Peace,  Peace.  But  their 
words  do  not  bring  peace.  They  lie  down  to  sleep 
unheeding,  and  as  they  sleep  they  are  on  their  way  to 


14  JEREMIAH 

death.  A  time  is  coming  such  as  Israel  has  never  yet 
known,  a  war  such  as  the  world  has  never  yet  seen. 
The  living  will  covet  the  peace  of  the  dead  in  their 
graves,  and  those  who  can  see  will  envy  the  darkness 
with  which  the  blind  are  stricken.  Not  yet  can  the 
fools  see,  not  yet  is  it  manifest  to  the  dreamers  j  but  I 
have  beheld  it  night  after  night.  Higher  leap  the 
flames,  nearer  comes  the  foej  the  day  of  tumult  and 
destruction  is  at  hand  5  war's  red  star  is  rising  on  the 
night. 

The  Mother 
\^Greatly  moved]  How  know  you  these  things? 


Jeremiah 

A  word  has  come  to  me  in  secret. 

For  I  have  seen  faces  in  the  night, 

I  have  wandered  in  my  dreams.  |j 

Fear  and  dread  fell  upon  me, 

I  trembled  in  every  limb, 

And  like  a  crumbling  wall 

My  heart  fainted  within  me. 

Mother, 

Such  sights  have  I  seen. 

That,  if  they  were  written. 

Men's  hair  would  stand  on  end,  | 

And  sleep  would  depart  from  them  " 

For  ever. 

The  Mother 
Jeremiah,  what  do  you  mean? 


i 


AWAKENING  OF  THE  PROPHET        15 

Jeremiah 

The  end  draweth  nearj  the  end! 

Evil  appeareth  out  of  the  north, 

Fire  is  its  chariot, 

Massacre  its  pinions! 

Already  the  heavens  ring  with  terror, 

The  earth  shakes  with  the  stamping  of  the  hoofs. 

The  Mother 
[Horrified]  Jeremiah! 

Jeremiah 

[Seizing  her  army  listens]  Do  you  hear,  do  you  not 
hear,  the  rushing  of  chariots? 

The  Mother 

I  hear  nothing!  Day  is  dawning.  The  shepherds 
are  piping  in  the  valleys,  and  a  gentle  breeze  blows 
across  the  roof. 

Jeremiah 

A  gentle  breeze? 

Woe  is  me! 

With  mighty  roaring 

The  wind  is  rising, 

The  whirlwind  of  God. 

From  the  caverns 

Of  the  north  down-rushing. 

Terror  it  brandishes 

Over  the  town. 

Mother!   Mother!  Do  you  not  hear  it? 


i6  JEREMIAH 

Swords  clash  in  the  wind, 

Loud  roar  the  chariot  wheels, 

The  night  flashes  with  lances  and  with  armorj 

Warrior  upon  warrior,  countless  in  number, 

The  whirlwind  scatters  over  the  land. 


The  Mother 
All  is  illusion,  the  madness  of  dreams! 

Jeremiah 

They  are  coming,  they  are  coming, 

Strangers  from  the  east. 

Men  of  an  ancient  people, 

Men  of  a  mighty  people. 

They  hasten  from  the  east 

In  unending  files  j 

Their  arrows  speed  like  lightning; 

Their  chargers  are  shod  with  swiftness  j 

Their  chariots  are  solid  as  rock. 

Among  them  there  rideth. 

With  blood-stained  crown, 

The  destroyer  of  cities 

By  fire  and  sword. 

The  tyrant  of  nations, 

The  king  of  kings  from  the  north. 


The  Mother 


The  king  from  the  north?      You  dream.     The  king 
from  the  north! 


AWAKENING  OF  THE  PROPHET        17 

Jeremiah 

Whom  the  Lord  has  awakened 

That  he  may  scourge  the  people  for  all  its  transgressions, 

That  he  may  crumble  the  walls  and  throw  down  the 

towers, 
That  he  may  quench  the  light  and  the  laughter  of 

homes, 
That  he  may  raze  the  city  and  the  temple  to  the 

ground. 
And  that  he  may  plough  up  the  streets  of  Jerusalem. 

The  Mother 
Blasphemous  folly!      The  city  endureth  for  ever! 

Jeremiah 

It  is  falling! 

The  onslaughts  of  God 

None  may  withstand! 

Below  ground 

Its  roots  shall  wither, 

Above  ground 

Its  fruits  shall  rot! 

With  axe  and  with  fire 

The  horsemen  shall  ravage 

IsraePs  forest  and  Zion's  fair  plains. 

The  Mother 

[Breaking  in]  It  is  false! 

Ne'er  shall  an  enemy  circle  our  wall, 

David's  city  be  taken,  Jerusalem  fall. 

Though  foes  from  the  ends  of  the  earth  should  rage, 


1 8  JEREMIAH 

The  towering  battlements  ever  shall  stand. 
Firm  Israel's  heart,  and  mighty  her  hand, 
Eternal  the  days  of  Jerusalem! 


Jeremiah 

It  is  falling!  Broken  is  the  staff  and  foretold  is  the 
hour.     The  end  draws  near,  the  end  of  Israel. 

The  Mother 

False  prophet!  We  are  the  elect  of  the  Lord,  and 
our  strength  shall  endure  through  the  ages!  Never 
shall  Jerusalem  perish! 

Jeremiah 

I  have  seen  it  in  my  dreams  j  'twas  made  plain  to 
my  eyes. 

The  Mother 

Evil  is  he  who  dreams  such  dreams,  and  seven  times 
an  evildoer  he  who  believes  them.  Alas  that  I  should 
have  lived  to  see  this  day  when  my  own  blood  is  fearful 
for  Zion  and  has  lost  faith  in  the  Lord!  Jeremiah,  do 
you  wish  me  to  curse  the  womb  that  bore  you.? 

Jeremiah 

The  horror  came  upon  me  against  my  will}  naught 
could  I  do  to  ward  off  the  faces. 

The  Mother 
Watch  and  pray  against  them  and  shatter  their  lies 


AV/AKENING  OF  THE  PROPHET        19 

in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  Forget  not,  Jeremiah,  that 
you  are  an  anointed  and  consecrated  son,  that  your 
voice  should  praise  the  Lord,  that  you  should  uplift 
the  hearts  of  the  sorrowful  and  fill  with  hope  the  minds 
of  the  despairing! 

Jeremiah 

How  can  I  ?      My  own  despair  is  the  greatest  of  all. 
Leave  me,  Mother,  leave  me! 


The  Mother 

I  will  not  leave  you,  neither  will  I  abandon  your 
soul  to  despair.  Jeremiah,  my  only  son,  hearken  to 
me.  For  the  first  time  let  me  tell  you  something 
which  may  awaken  your  courage.  Hear  the  words 
that  are  forced  from  me  by  my  distress.  I,  too,  was 
once  filled  with  despair,  inasmuch  as  for  ten  years  the 
Lord  had  closed  my  womb.  I  was  the  sport  of  my 
companions  and  the  mock  of  the  concubines.  For  ten 
long  years  I  bore  my  lot  patiently,  and  had  almost 
given  up  hopcj  but  in  the  eleventh  year  my  heart  was 
kindled,  and  I  went  to  the  house  of  God  to  implore 
him  that  my  womb  should  bear  fruit.  Throwing  my- 
self on  the  ground,  I  watered  it  with  tears,  vowing 
that  if  a  son  were  vouchsafed  me  I  would  devote  him 
to  the  Lord's  service.  I  swore  to  be  silent,  to  utter  no 
word  during  my  time  of  trial,  that  my  son  in  days  to 
come  might  speak  abundantly,  praising  God. 


Jeremiah 
You  also  consecrated  me,  Mother? 


20  JEREMIAH 

The  Mother 

The  selfsame  day  your  father  knew  me  and  I  was 
blessed  with  you.  Hearken,  Jeremiah.  For  nine 
months  did  I  faithfully  refrain  from  speech  that  you 
might  speak  abundantly,  that  you  might  glorify  the 
everlasting  God!  Thus  did  I  fulfil  my  vow,  and  we 
brought  you  up  to  read  the  scripture,  and  sweetly  did 
you  sing  to  the  psaltery.  Know,  then,  that  from  the 
first  you  were  a  consecrated  priest  and  devoted  to  the 
service  of  the  Lord.  Rend  the  veil  of  your  dreams 
and  come  forth  into  the  daylight. 


Jeremiah 

A  double  consecration.  Mother,  a  twofold  witness  of 
this  night.  A  second  time  you  have  called  me  to  life. 
Through  your  words  the  light  has  come  to  me,  for, 
wonderful  to  relate,  I  cried  my  question  to  God  and  he 
sent  you  to  speak  to  me!  Now  do  I  know  who 
knocked  on  the  wall  of  my  sleep  until  I  awakened  from 
my  life's  slumber j  now  do  I  know  who  summoned  me. 


The  Mother 

What  has  befallen  you?  Your  words  are  like  those 
of  a  drunken  man. 

Jeremiah 

Yea,  drunk  am  I  now  with  the  certainty  of  his  willj 
so  full  am  I  of  speech,  that  the  words  must  forth.  The 
seals  upon  my  mouth  are  broken,  and  my  lips  burn  to 
utter  the  revelation. 


AWAKENING  OF  THE  PROPHET       21 

The  Mother 

Woe  is  me  if  you  should  reveal  your  mad  dreams. 
You  are  no  son  of  mine  if  you  cry  such  fancies  aloud! 

Jeremiah 

Your  son,  Mother?  Indeed  and  indeed  I  am  your 
son,  with  a  fate  like  unto  yours!  Learn  that  I  too 
have  been  barren,  and  that  the  Lord  hath  quickened  me 
with  a  word  and  a  secret.  I  have  renewed  your  vow. 
Mother,  and  have  given  myself  to  the  Lord. 

The  Mother 

Go,  then,  to  God's  house.  Give  yourself  to  him 
who  has  called  you,  praise  his  holy  name. 

Jeremiah 

Nay,  Mother,  not  for  me  the  service  of  the  sacri- 
ficial priest.  I  myself  must  be  the  sacrifice.  For  God 
my  veins  run  blood  j  for  him  my  flesh  is  consumed j  for 
him  my  soul  burns.  I  will  serve  him  as  none  ever 
served  him  before  j  his  paths  shall  henceforward  be 
mine.  Behold  the  dawn  upon  the  valley,  and  within 
me  likewise  is  darkness  dispelled  by  light!  God's 
heaven  flames,  and  in  me  no  less  the  heart  is  aflame. 
Chariot  of  Elijah,  fiery  chariot,  carry  my  words  that 
they  may  fall  like  thunder  into  the  hearts  of  men. 
My  lips  scorch  me,  I  must  go,  I  must  go. 

The  Mother 
Whither  would  you  go  ere  the  day  has  well  begun? 


22  JEREMIAH 

Jeremiah 
I  know  not,  God  knoweth. 

The  Mother 
Tell  me  what  you  mean  to  do. 

Jeremiah 

I  know  not,  I  know  not!  My  heart  is  his,  and  my 
deeds  are  his. 

The  Mother 

Jeremiah,  you  shall  not  go  unless  you  swear  to  me 
to  say  naught  of  your  dreams  .   .   . 

Jeremiah 
I  will  not  swear!      I  am  vowed  to  him  alone. 

The  Mother 
...  to  refrain  from  breathing  terror  into  the  people. 

Jeremiah 
His  is  the  revelation,  mine  are  the  lips  alone! 

The  Mother 

Woe  is  me,  you  will  not  hearken  to  my  words. 
Know,  then,  that  he  who  sows  despair  in  Israel  shall 
never  enter  my  house  more. 


AWAKENING  OF  THE  PROPHET       23 

Jeremiah 
His  is  my  wordj  my  dwelling  is  his  care. 

The  Mother 
Who  believes  not  in  Zion  is  no  longer  my  son. 

Jeremiah 
I  am  his  alone,  his  who  placed  me  within  thy  womb. 

The  Mother 

You  will  go  then?  But  first  hear  me,  Jeremiah, 
hear  me  before  you  open  your  lips  to  the  people. 
With  all  my  strength  do  I  curse  him  who  spreads 
terror  over  Israel,  I  curse  .    .    . 

Jeremiah 
[Shuddering]  Curse  not,  Mother,  curse  not! 

The  Mother 

I  curse  him  who  saith  the  walls  shall  fall  and  the 
streets  be  laid  waste  5  I  curse  him  who  cries  death  over 
Israel.  May  his  body  be  consumed  with  fire  and  his 
soul  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  living  God. 

Jeremiah 
Curse  not.  Mother  .    .    . 


24  JEREMIAH 

The  Mother 

I  curse  the  unbeliever,  who  has  more  faith  in  his 
own  dreams  than  in  God's  mercy.  Cursed  be  he  who 
denies  God,  were  he  my  own  son!  For  the  last  time, 
Jeremiah,  choose! 

Jeremiah 

I  follow  my  own  path.  [With  heavy  steeps  he  makes 
ready  to  descend  the  stair] 


The  Mother 

Jeremiah,  my  only  son,  the  stay  of  my  old  age, 
bring  not  my  curse  upon  you,  for  God  will  hear  it  as 
he  heard  my  vow. 

Jeremiah 

I,  too,  am  vowed  to  him,  M other j  me  also  has  he 
heard.      Farewell!      [He  descends  the  first  step] 


The  Mother 

[With  a  loud  cry]    Jeremiah!      You  trample  me 
down.    Your  footsteps  crush  my  heart. 


Jeremiah 

I  know  not  the  road  along  which  I  move.  All  I 
know  is  that  one  calls  me,  and  I  follow  the  call.  [He 
slowly  goes  down  the  stair,  his  face  expressing  re- 
strained emotion y  and  his  gaze  turned  heavenward] 


AWAKENING  OF  THE  PROPHET       25 

The  Mother 

[Rushing  in  despair  to  the  top  of  the  staircase^ 
Jeremiah!     Jeremiah!     Jeremiah! 

\There  is  no  answer.  Her  cry  sinks  to  a  wail,  and 
fijter  a  while  she  is  silent.  Her  figure,  broken  with 
grief,  is  silhouetted  against  the  sky,  where  the  colors 
of  dawn  are  showing  in  fire  and  blood\ 


THE  WARNING 


SCENE  TWO 

The  prophets  that  have  been  before  me  and  before 
thee  of  old  prophesied  both  against  many  countries,  and 
against  great  kingdoms,  of  war,  and  of  evil,  and  of 
pestilence. 

The  prophet  which  prophesieth  of  peace,  when  the 
word  of  the  prophet  shall  come  to  pass,  then  shall  the 
prophet  be  known,  that  the  Lord  hath  truly  sent  him. 
Jeremiah,  XXVIII,  8  and  9. 


I 


SCENE  TWO 

The  great  square  of  Jerusalem.  Thence  a  broad 
long  flight  of  steps  leads  to  the  porch  of  pilars  of  the 
fortress  of  Zion;  on  the  right  is  the  king^s  palace  and 
in  the  center  the  adjoining  temple.  On  the  other  side 
the  great  square  is  bounded  by  houses  and  streets  which 
seem  low  and  mean  in  contrast  with  the  towering  struc- 
tures facing  them.  The  walls  of  the  entrances  to  the 
palace  are  lined  with  cedar,  carved  with  figures  of 
cherubim,  palm  trees,  and  open  flowers,  all  overlaid 
with  gold;  there  are  lavers  in  the  foreground  with 
running  water.  In  the  background  are  seen  the  brazen 
gates  of  the  temple. 

In  front  of  the  palace,  in  the  streets  and  on  the  stair- 
way, the  people  of  Jerusalem  m^ove  to  and  fro  con- 
fusedly; a  m^otley  mass  of  men,  women,  and  children, 
swayed  by  strong  excitement,  and  in  eager  expectation. 
Many  voices  rise  from  the  crowd,  usually  in  animated 
dispute,  but  uniting  at  times  to  a  single  cry.  When 
the  scene  opens,  all  have  pressed  towards  the  streets 
and  are  restlessly  expectant. 


Voices 

The  sentinel  has  already  given  the  signal  from  the 
tower. — No,  not  yet. — But  I  heard  the  trumpet. — So 
did  I.— So  did  I. — They  must  be  close  at  hand. — 
From  which  side  are  they  coming? — Shall  we  see 
them? 

31 


32  JEREMIAH 

Other  Voices 

They  are  coming  from  Moria  Gate. — They  must 
pass  this  way  as  they  go  to  the  palace. — Don't  block  up 
the  whole  street. — We  want  to  get  a  sight  of  them. — 
Stand  back. — Room,  room  for  the  Egyptians. 

A  Voice 
But  is  it  certain  that  they  are  coming?^ 

Another  Voice 

I  myself  spoke  to  the  messenger  who  brought  the 
tidings. 

Voices 

He  spoke  with  the  messenger. — Tell  us  all  about 
it. — How  many  are  there? — Do  they  bring  gifts? — 
Who  is  their  leader? — Speak  up,  Issachar! 

[A  group  forms  round  Issachar] 

Issachar 

I  can  only  tell  you  what  the  messenger,  my  father- 
in-law,  told  me.  Pharaoh  is  sending  the  finest  war- 
riors of  Egypt.  With  them  are  many  slaves  bearing 
gifts.  Nothing  like  these  gifts  has  come  to  Zion  since 
the  days  of  Solomon. 

Voices 

Long  live  Pharaoh! — Glory  to  his  reign! — Hail 
Egypt! 


'       THE  WARNING  33 

An  Old  Man 
No  alliance  with  Egypt!     Their  wars  are  not  ours! 

IsSACHAR 

But  our  need  is  the  same  as  theirs.  They  do  not 
want  to  be  the  slaves  of  the  Chaldeans. 

Voices 

No  we,  nor  we. — Down  with  Ashur. — Let  us  break 
the  yoke. — ^Let  us  be  on  our  guard. 

Baruch 

[A  young  man,  in  great  excitement]  We  spend  our 
days  in  chains.  Month  after  month,  when  the  moon 
is  new,  our  messengers  go  forth  to  Babylon  bearing 
tribute  of  golden  shekels.    How  long  shall  we  suffer  it? 

Zebulon 

[Baruch's  father]  Silence.  It  is  not  for  you  to 
speak.    A  light  yoke  is  the  yoke  of  Chaldea. 

Voices 
But  we  want  no  yoke  at  all. — The  day  of  freedom 
has  dawned. — Down  with  Ashur! — Let  us  form  an 
alliance  with  the  Egyptians. 

Zebulon 

Never  did  good  come  out  of  Mizraim.  We  must 
feel  our  way  cautiously,  patient  and  ever  mistrustful. 


34  JEREMIAH 

Voices 

We  muSfe  renew  the  furniture  of  the  temple. — No 
longer  shall  Baal  enjoy  our  holy  things. — Down  with 
the  robbers  of  the  temple! — Now  is  the  appointed 
hour. 

Other  Voices 

[From  farther  up  the  street]  They  are  coming'.^ 
They  are  coming!. 

Voices 

[From  all  sides]  Here  they  are. — Make  room. — 
Come  higher  up. — Come  back  here. — I  can  see  them 
already.     You  can  see  them  from  here. 

[The  feofle  swarm  up  the  steps  and  form,  a  lane 
through  which  the  Egyptian  embassy  can  pass  to  the 
palace.  At  first  nothing  can  be  seen  of  the  newcomers 
but  the  spear  points  showing  above  the  noisy  throng] 

Voices 

How  finely  they  march. — ^Who  is  the  leader?—- 
Araxes  is  their  leader. — Look  at  the  gifts. — Look  at 
the  carrying  chairs. — One  of  them  is  curtained. — That 
must  be  Pharaoh's  daughter. — Hail  Araxes! — Hail 
Egypt! — ^Those  are  heavy  chests;  there  must  be  gold 
in  them! — ^We  shall  have  to  pay  for  it  with  our  blood! 
— How  short  their  swords  are. — Ours  are  better. — 
Look  at  their  proud  gait. — ^They  must  be  mighty  war- 
riors.— Long  live  Pharaoh-Necho. — Hail  Egypt!  — 
God  punish  Ashur. — Hail  Araxes! — Blessings  on 
Pharaoh! — Blessings  on  the  alliance! 


JHE  WARNING  35 

[With  frenzied  acclamations j  the  -peofle  close  in 
upon  the  -procession  of  the  Egyptians.     These  latter, 
richly   appareled,   march    proudly    by.      They    rattle 
)        their  swords  and  make  gracious  acknowledgments^ 

Baruch 

[Speaking  from  the  steps}  May  the  king  fulfil 
your  wishes!     May  he  cement  the  alliance! 

[The  Egyptians  have  mounted  the  steps  to  the 
palace,  and  have  entered  the  porch  of  pillars.  The 
people  throng  at  their  heels.  Other  sections  of  the 
crowd  disappear  into  the  streets.  On  the  steps  there 
now  remain  only  isolated  groups  of  the  older  men, 
while  the  soldiers  and  the  women  hasten  after  the 
Egyptians,  eager  to  see  what  they  are  hearing,  and 
vanishing  after  the  train  in  the  entry  to  the  palace\ 

Baruch 

[Who  has  been  looking  on  in  ecstasy]  I  must  go 
with  them. 

Zebulon 

Stay  where  you  are. 

Baruch 

I  want  to  see  for  myself  how  Israel  rises  against  the 
oppressors.  My  soul  is  consumed  with  desire  to  behold 
great  deeds,  and  now  the  hour  is  at  hand. 

Zebulon 

Stay  where  you  are.  The  time  is  God's  choice,  not 
ours.    The  king  will  decide. 


S6  JEREMIAH 

Baruch 

Listen  to  the  shouts  of  joy!,  Let  me  go  with  them, 
father. 

Zebulon 

You  will  have  many  other  opportunities.  The 
people  always  flock  to  hear  loud  talkers,  and  crowd 
ever  to  witness  showy  sights. 

Another 

Why  do  you  deny  him  the  pleasure?  Is  not  the 
day  come  for  which  we  have  been  longing?  Friends 
have  been  raised  up  for  Israel. 

Zebulon 
Never  was  Mizraim  the  friend  of  Israel. 

Baruch 
Our  shame  is  theirs,  and  Israel's  need  is  Egypt's. 

Zebulon 

Naught  have  we  in  common  with  any  other  folk  on 
earth.    Our  strength  lies  in  isolation. 

The  Other 
But  they  will  fight  for  us. 


JHE  WARNING  37 

Zebulon 

They  will  fight  for  themselves.  Each  nation  fights 
for  itself  alone. 

Baruch 

Are  we  still  to  be  slaves?  Shall  Zedekiah  be  a  king 
of  slaves,  and  Zion  remain  in  bondage  to  Chaldeapj 
|Were  but  Zedekiah  a  true  king! 

Zebulon 

Silence,  I  command  you.  It  befits  not  a  boy  to  lay 
down  the  law  for  kings. 

Baruch 

It  is  true  that  I  am  young j  but  who  is  Jerusalem, 
if  it  be  not  her  young  men?  It  was  not  the  cautious 
elders  who  built  Jerusalem.  David,  young  David, 
established  her  towers,  and  made  her  great  among 
the  nations, 

Zebulon 

Hold  your  peace.  You  have  no  right  to  speak  in 
the  marketplace. 

Baruch 

Shall  only  the  cautious  elders  speak,  none  but  the 
aged  give  counsel,  that  Israel  may  grow  old  before 
her  time  and  God's  word  decay  in  our  hearts?  The 
moment  is  ours,  and  it  is  for  us  to  take  revenge.  You 
have  abased  yourselves,  and  we  will  lift  ourselves  up; 
you  have  faltered,  but  we  will  bring  fruition  j  you 
had  peace,  and  we  want  war. 


38  JEREMIAH 

Zebulon 

What  do  you  know  of  war?  We,  the  fathers,  have 
known  war.  In  books  war  is  great,  but  in  reality  war 
is  a  destroyer,  a  ravisher  of  life. 

Baruch 
I  fear  not  war.    Let  us  have  done  with  slavery!, 

A  Voice 
Zedekiah  hath  sworn  an  oath  of  peace. 

Voices 

The  oath  matters  nothing. — Let  him  break  his 
oath. — No  oath  need  be  kept  with  the  heathen. 

Other  Voices 

[Exultant,  coming  from  the  street]  Abimelech! — 
Hail  Abimelech! — Abimelech,  our  leader! 

[Groups  crowd  round  Abimelech,  the  general,  and 
acclaim  him] 

Voices 

Abimelech! — Is  it  true  that  Egypt  offers  an  alliance? 
Draw  your  sword. — Up,  march  against  Ashur. — Gather 
Israel's  forces. — ^We  are  ready. — ^We  are  ready. 

Abimelech 

[Speaks  to  the  crowd  from  the  top  of  the  steps] 
Make  ready,  people  of  Jerusalem,  for  the  hour  of 
freedom  is  at  hand. 


THE  WARNING  39 

[The  crowd  shouts  exultantly^ 

Pharaoh-Necho  has  offered  us  the  help  of  his  armies. 
He  wishes  us  to  join  him  in  breaking  the  might  of 
Ashur,  and  we  shall  do  it,  people  of  Jerusalem. 


The  Crowd 

On  against  Ashur. — War  with  Chaldea. — Hail 
Abimelech ! 

A  Warrior 

We  shall  drive  them  before  us  like  sheep.  They 
have  grown  soft  in  the  houses  of  the  women,  and  their 
king  has  never  worn  harness. 


A  Voice 
That  is  false. 

The  Warrior 
Who  says  it  is  false? 

The  Voice 

I  say  so.  I  have  been  in  Babylon  and  I  have  seen 
Nebuchadnezzar.  He  is  a  mighty  man  of  valor,  and 
his  soldiers  have  no  equals. 

Voices 

Wretch,  you  praise  our  foes. — He  is  sold  to  the 
enemy. — His  wife  is  a  Chaldean. — She  has  gone 
a-whoring  with  all  the  men  of  Babylon. — Traitor! 


40  JEREMIAH 

The  Warrior 

[Approaching  the  speaker^  Do  you  mean  to  say 
that  we  cannot  beat  them? 

The  Voice 
I  say  that  the  Chaldeans  are  mighty  men. 

The  Warrior 

[Pressing  closer]  Look  upon  my  fist,  and  say  once 
more  that  they  are  better  than  the  men  of  Israel. 

Voices 

Say  it  again. — Tear  him  to  pieces. — ^Traitor. — 
Traitor. 

The  Speaker 

[Encircled  by  a  threatening  mob^  loses  courage]  I 
did  not  say  that.  All  I  meant  to  say  was  that  they 
are  many  in  number. 

Abimelech 
Always  have  our  foes  been  many,  and  always  have 
we  laid  them  low. 

Voices 

Who  can  stand  against  us? — We  have  overthrown  all 
our  enemies. — None  can  withstand  us. — Death  to  him 
who  despises  our  power. 

[TS/Lessengers  hasten  from  the  palace]- 


THE  WARNING  41 

The  Crowd 

[Thronging  round  them]  Whither  so  fast? — What 
news  do  you  bear? — Whom  do  you  seek? — What's 
afoot? 

A  Messenger 

The  king  has  summoned  the  council. 

Voices 
War. — He  decides  for  war. — War. 

Abimelech 
Whom  has  he  summoned? 

The  Messenger 

Imre,  the  oldest  burgherj  Nahum,  the  steward.  To 
you  also  the  summons  goes  forth. 

Abimelech 

Waverers  and  wiseacres  are  to  be  my  fellow  coun- 
cilors j  men  who  weigh  their  words  overmuch  and 
shrink  from  deeds.  But  I  have  my  sword  with  me, 
and  I  will  cast  it  from  me  if  I  may  not  draw  it  against 
Ashur.  Yours  is  the  hour,  people  of  Jerusalem  j  I 
fight  in  your  behalf. 

The  Crowd 

Hail  Abimelech. — Hail  Abimelech,  hail  soldier  of 
God.— Hail! 

[Abimelech  hastens  into  the  falace'\ 


42  JEREMIAH 

Baruch 

Follow  him,  follow  him!  The  king  shall  hear  our 
voices.  Let  us  thunder  our  will  beneath  the  windows 
of  his  palace. 

Zebulon 

I  shall  disown  you  if  you  do  not  hold  your  peace. 
The  king  has  summoned  a  council,  and  there  must  be 
no  clamor  to  disturb  its  deliberations. 

Baruch 

He  shall  not  deliberate.  Let  him  decide!  Let  him 
decide  for  war!     We  are  all  for  war. 

Voices 

Yes,  all  of  us. — All  of  us. — Shout  that  the  king 
may  hear  us. 

A  Voice 
Nay,  I  am  not  for  war,  I  am  not  for  war. 

Voices 

Silence. — Traitor. — Another  spy. — Who  are  you? — 
Down  with  him. — Who  are  you? 

The  Speaker 

I  am  a  peasant,  and  in  peace  only  will  my  land  bear 
,  fruit.    War  comes  trampling  across  my  fields.    No  war 
1  if  or  me,  I  am  against  it. 


THE  WARNING  43 

Baruch 

[Savagely]  Shame  upon  you!  May  you  rot  amid 
your  fields  and  be  choked  with  your  fruits!  Cursed  be 
he  whose  courage  is  measured  by  his  gains,  and  cursed 
be  he  who  values  his  own  pitiful  life  more  than  the 
welfare  of  his  country!  Israel  is  our  land  for  tillage. 
We  will  manure  it  with  our  blood.  Are  we  not  happy, 
brothers,  to  die  for  the  one  God? 

The  Peasant 

Die,  then,  and  let  me  live.  I  love  the  land.  This, 
too,  is  God's,  and  he  has  given  it  to  me  for  my  own. 

Baruch 

Nothing  is  given  to  us  for  our  own.  We  hold  every- 
thing in  trust  from  the  living  God,  and  must  restore 
everything  when  the  call  comes.  Now  has  the  call 
sounded  J  let  us  hearken  to  it  gladly.  The  signs  are 
fulfilled.  Where  are  they  who  should  reveal  his 
words?  Where  are  they  who  disclose  his  spirit,  who 
can  spur  on  the  slothful  and  make  the  deaf  hear? 
Where  are  the  priests,  and  where  the  prophets?  Why 
are  their  voices  silent  at  this  hour  in  Jerusalem? 

Voices 
Yes. — ^The  prophets. — ^Where  are  the  priests? 

Baruch 

To  the  temple!  Nothing  must  be  done  without 
God's  word!     Let  the  men  of  God  decide. 


44  JEREMIAH 

Voices 

Yes,  where  are  our  shepherds?  In  them  is  the 
truth. — Hananiah — Pashur — where  are  they?  Open 
the    temple. — Open    the    gates. — Hananiah. — Pashur. 

[Some  of  the  crowd  race  up  the  steps  and  knock  upon 
the  brazen  gates.  The  gates  open  and  Hananiah 
appears.     He  is  received  with  fierce  acclamations] 

Baruch 

Hananiah,  messenger  o£  God,  the  people  thirst  for 
your  speech.  Let  your  words  pour  forth  to  kindle  our 
hearts,  to  make  fruitful  our  wrath,  and  to  direct  our 
aim.    The  fate  of  Jerusalem  is  in  your  hands. 

The  Crowd 

Pour  forth  God's  word  over  us. — Reveal  the  prom- 
ise.— Say,  shall  we  fight? — Let  us  know  God's  will. — 
Teach  the  people,  messenger  of  the  Lord,  teach  the 
king. — Give  utterance  to  the  promise. — ^Look  upon  our 
weakness. — Awaken  our  courage. 

Hananiah 

[Standing  before  the  threshold  of  the  temple y  speaks 
with  strong  emotion]  Blessed  your  questions,  blessed 
your  voices,  blessed  are  you,  people  of  Jerusalem,  who 
at  length  hearken  to  the  cry.  For  sleep  had  fallen 
upon  you,  Jerusalem  j  you  had  been  passive  in  the 
chains  of  slavery.  The  nations  have  been  marching 
over  you  as  over  a  drunken  man;  they  have  been 
spitting  upon  your  garments;  they  have  mocked  your 
nakedness.     But  a  call  has  summoned  the  sleepers  j  a 


THE  WARNING  45 

message  has  roused  the  dreamers  j  and  I  will  testify  to 
you,  now  that  God  has  awakened  you. 

The  Crowd 

[Breaking  into  fanatical  cries]  Listen  to  him!  — 
We  are  awakened! — It  is  true  that  we  have  been  sleep- 
ing.— Tell  us,  master,  is  it  time? — Say,  has  the  hour 
struck? 

Hananiah 

How  long  will  you  refrain  from  deeds,  now  that 
God  hath  awakened  you?  How  long  will  you  remain 
passive,  now  that  the  Lord  hath  summoned  you?  God 
is  athirst,  for  his  pitchers  are  empty;  God  is  anhun- 
gered, for  his  altars  are  broken  j  God  is  cold,  for  the 
hangings  of  the  temple  have  been  stolen  j  God  suffers, 
for  the  priests  of  Baal  and  the  servants  of  Ashtaroth 
heap  scorn  upon  him!  Cast  off  the  yoke,  break  your 
chains,  raise  hosannas,  unsheathe  your  swords.  God 
has  awakened  you 3  fight  for  the  Lord! 

Baruch 

Let  hosannas  sound!  Up,  Israel  j  up  Jerusalem,  and 
break  the  yoke ! 

The  Crowd 

Let  us  break  the  yoke. — Down  with  Ashur. — To 
arms  against  Nebuchadnezzar. — Unfurl  the  flag. — Tell 
us,  is  it  time  to  start? — War  against  Ashur, — Say,  shall 
the  victory  be  ours? 

Hananiah 

The  voice  of  the  Lord  burns  within  me.    The  words 


46  JEREMIAH 

come  to  my  mouth  like  the  roaring  of  the  sea,  and  thus 
do  they  sound:  "Arise,  Israel.  I  have  delivered 
Ashur  into  thy  handj  clench  thy  fist,  Israel,  and  break 
the  bones  of  thy  foe!  Tread  the  oppressor  beneath 
thy  heels,  bring  back  my  stolen  goods,  deliver  me  as  I 
deliver  thee.  Reject  those  who  would  counsel  thee 
otherwise  J  destroy  those  who  would  curb  theej  pay  no 
heed  to  the  weaklings,  and  hearken  only  to  the  words 
of  my  messenger!  Hear  the  words  of  my  messengei^ 
O  Israel!" 

Jeremiah 

[Calling  wildly  from  amid  the  crowd]  Heed  him 
not!     Heed  him  not!     Heed  him  not! 

[A  tum^ult  ensues y  and  the  crowd  draws  apart y 
disclosing  Jeremiah  in  the  tnidst.  He  tries  to  make 
his  way  wp  the  steps  to  the  place  from  which  Hananiah 
is  speaking] 

Voices 

Who  is  that  speaking? — What  is  he  saying? — ^Who 
is  he? 

Jeremiah 

Do  not  heed  him.  Pay  no  heed  to  him  who  speaks 
through  the  lips  only;  reject  the  lure  of  his  words. 
Do  not  listen  to  the  hypocrites  who  would  lead  you 
into  slippery  places.  Do  not  fall  into  the  snare  of 
the  fowlers.    Do  not  listen  to  the  decoy  calling  to  war. 

Pashur 

\The  high  priest^  wearing  full  vestments ^  has 
appeared  on  the  threshold  of  the  temple]  Who  speaks 
in  the  crowd? 


THE  WARNING  47 

Hananiah 

Who  speaks  against  the  Lord?  Let  him  show  him- 
self in  the  open. 

Jeremiah 

[Coming  forward]  Dismay  speaks j  concern  for 
Jerusalem  cries  aloud  j  the  mouth  of  terror  is  opened. 
I  speak  for  Israel,  and  for  the  life  of  Israel. 

Voices 

Who  is  he? — I  know  him  not. — He  is  not  one  of  the 
prophets. — I  know  him  not. — Who  is  he? 

A  Voice 

It  is  Jeremiah,  the  son  of  Hilkiah,  of  the  priests  in 
Anathoth. 

Voices 

Who  is  Jeremiah? — Who  is  he? — What  do  the 
people  of  Anathoth  want  in  Jerusalem? — He  is  the  son 
of  Hilkiah. — Who  is  he? — What  does  he  want? 

Pashur 

[To  Jeremiah,  who  is  mounting  the  steps]  Away 
from  the  steps  of  the  temple!  The  messengers  of  the 
Lord,  the  men  of  God  and  the  prophets,  may  alone 
tread  the  holy  threshold.  To  none  but  us  is  it  given 
to  reveal  God*s  will. 

Jeremiah 
Who  dares  declare  that  to  him  only  has  the  Lord 


48  JEREMIAH 

vouchsafed  wisdom  and  the  secret  of  his  will?  God 
speaks  to  men  in  dreams,  and  to  me  likewise  has  he  sent 
dreams.  He  has  filled  my  nights  with  horror,  and  has 
awakened  me  at  due  timej  he  has  given  me  a  mouth 
that  I  may  speak  and  a  voice  that  I  may  cry  aloud.  He 
has  breathed  dismay  into  my  mind  that  I  may  spread 
it  over  you  like  a  burning  cloth.  I  will  utter  my  dismay 
on  behalf  of  Jerusalem  j  I  will  cry  my  cry  before  the 
people  3  I  will  reveal  my  dreams. 

Baruch 

I     Away  with  dreamers  and  interpreters  of  dreams. 
[The  hour  needs  waking  men. 

Hananiah 

Dreams  come  to  all.  Beasts  stir  in  their  sleep,  and 
the  dreams  of  slaves  are  full  of  visions.  Who  has 
anointed  you,  that  you  should  speak  before  the  temple? 

Voices 

No, — Let  him  speak. — We  want  to  hear  him. — He  is 
out  of  his  mind. — Let  him  reveal  his  dreams. — The 
marketplace  is  free  to  all. — God's  house  is  free. 
Speak,  Jeremiah. 

Pashur 
Not  from  the  threshold  of  the  temple. 

Hananiah 

I  am  the  prophet  of  God,  and  there  is  no  other 
prophet  in  Israel  to-day.     You  shall  hear  my  words, 


THE  WARNING  49 

not  those  of  the  chatterers  in  the  streets.    Scourge  the 
dreamers  out  of  the  marketplace. 

Baruch 
He  is  a  coward,  shun  his  terrors. 

Voices 

Let  him  speak. — ^We  want  to  hear  what  he  has  to 
say. — No,  let  Hananiah  speak. — Perhaps  Jeremiah  is 
sent  by  the  Lord. — Why  should  not  we  hear  him. — 
Speak,  Jeremiah. — What  has  he  dreamed? — Revela- 
tion often  comes  in  dreams. — Let  him  speak,  Hananiah. 
— We  can  compare  their  words. — Speak,  Jeremiah. 

Jeremiah 

[From  the  top  of  the  steps]  Brothers  in  Israel, 
brothers  in  Jerusalem,  in  my  dream  I  heard  a  storm 
burst  upon  the  city,  and  I  saw  warriors  assail  our  walls. 
The  pillars  fell  and  the  battlements  were  laid  low. 
Fire  sat  upon  the  roofs  like  a  red  beast  devouring  our 
dwellings.  No  stone  was  left  standing  upon  another, 
and  the  streets  were  laid  waste.  I  saw  the  dead  lying 
in  heaps  upon  the  ground,  so  that  my  heart  was  turned 
within  me  and  my  mouth  was  unsealed  even  in  sleep. 

Pashur 
Madness  is  crying  from  the  steps  of  the  temple. 

Hananiah 

The  falling  sickness  afflicts  him,  and  he  in  turn 
afflicts  us. 


50  JEREMIAH 

Baruch 

Down  with  him. 

Voices 

No,  we  want  to  hear  his  dreams. — What  do  they 
mean? — He  is  a  madman. — He  is  a  fool. — Away  with 
him! 

Jeremiah 

But,  brothers,  when  I  awakened  in  the  sweat  of  my 
body,  I  mocked  myself  even  as  you  mock  me  now.  Did 
not  peace  brood  over  the  landj  were  not  the  walls 
untouched,  so  that  no  breeze  stirred  athwart  them?  I 
went  forth  from  the  house  full  of  shame  for  my  own 
terrors}  I  sought  the  marketplace  that  I  might  rejoice 
in  its  peace.  But  when  I  came  thither  I  heard  shouts 
of  exultation}  and  my  heart  broke  within  me,  for  the 
shouts  were  clamors  for  war.  Brothers,  my  soul  was 
bitter  as  gall,  and  the  words  came  to  my  lips  against 
my  will.  Tell  me,  is  war  so  precious  that  you  should 
praise  it?  Is  it  so  kindly  that  you  should  long  for  it? 
Does  it  bring  so  much  good  that  you  should  greet  it 
with  all  the  warmth  of  your  heart?  I  say  unto  you, 
people  of  Jerusalem,  that  war  is  a  fierce  and  evil  beast, 
one  that  devours  the  flesh  of  the  strong  and  sucks  the 
marrow  of  the  mighty,  crushing  towns  in  its  jaws  and 
trampling  the  land  beneath  its  hoofs.  Those  who 
awaken  it,  shall  not  again  lay  it  to  sleep}  and  he  who 
draws  the  sword,  is  like  to  perish  by  the  sword.  Woe, 
therefore,  to  the  contentious  man  who  quarrels  when 
there  is  no  need,  for  he  shall  come  out  upon  one  way, 
and  flee  upon  seven.  Woe  to  those  who  murder  peace 
with  the  words  of  their  mouth.  Beware  of  all  such, 
O  people  of  Jerusalem. 


THE  WARNING  51 

Baruch 

Beware  of  cowards,  O  people  of  Jerusalem  j  beware 
of  traitors  in  the  pay  of  the  enemy. 

Hananiah 

What  promise  does  he  bring?  Where  is  God's  word? 
He  speaks  for  Babylon  and  for  Baal. 

Voices 

No,  no. — His  words  are  just, — There  is  much  truth 
in  what  he  says. — Let  him  deliver  his  message. — 
Dreams. — Where  is  the  promise? — Go  on. — We  want 
to  hear  him  too. 

Jeremiah 

Why  do  you  awaken  the  ravening  beast  with  your 
shouts.  Why  do  you  summon  the  king  of  the  north 
to  your  city?  Why  do  you  clamor  for  war,  men  of 
Jerusalem?  Did  you  beget  your  sons  for  slaughter, 
and  your  daughters  for  shame?  Did  you  build  your 
houses  for  destruction  by  fire,  and  your  walls  for  the 
battering  ram?  Bethink  thee,  Israel j  call  a  halt  ere 
thou  runnest  into  the  darkness,  Jerusalem.  Is  thy 
slavery  so  hard,  are  thy  sorrows  beyond  assuagement? 
Look  around.  God's  sun  shines  over  the  land;  the  vines 
bloom  in  peace  j  lovers  walk  happily  together  j  children 
play  unhindered  J  the  moon  shines  gently  over  the  sleep 
of  Jerusalem.  Fire  and  water  keep  their  appointed 
places,  the  storehouses  are  well  filled,  and  God  has  his 
spacious  mansion.  Say,  Israel,  is  it  not  well  with  thee 
v/ithin  the  walls  of  Zionj  art  thou  not  blithe  in  the 
valleys  of  Sharon  j   art  thou  not  happy  by  the  blue 


52  JEREMIAH 

waters  of  Jordan?  Let  it  suffice  thee  to  live  at  peace 
under  God's  tranquil  gaze.  Hold  fast  to  peace,  people 
of  Jerusalem. 

Zebulon 

His  words  are  just!  Hail  unto  him.  His  speech  is 
golden. 

Pashur 

Like  the  gold  of  Chaldea. 

Voices 

Yes,  he  has  been  bribed. — No,  his  words  are  just. — 
Peace. — We  want  peace. — He  is  a  traitor. — He  is  in 
the  pay  of  Ashur. — Let  him  speak. — No,  Hananiah  is 
right.— Let  us  listen  to  Hananiah. 

Hananiah 

Away  with  you,  away.  Go,  talk  to  Samaria,  the  land 
of  slaves.  Deliver  your  message  to  Moab,  or  to  the 
uncircumcised,  but  not  to  Israel,  God's  first-born  among 
the  nations. 

Baruch 

[Menacingly y  to  Jeremiah]  Answer  me,  in  face  of 
the  people.  Is  our  slavery  to  endure?  Are  we  still  to 
pay  tribute  to  Chaldea?     Answer  me,  traitor. 

Voices 

Yes,  yes. — Answer. — Speak. — Are  we  to  go  on 
paying  tribute? — Answer. 


THE  WARNING  53 

Jeremiah 

Loudly  do  I  speak  my  mind  before  the  people.  It  is 
better  to  pay  tribute  of  gold  to  the  enemy  than  tribute 
of  blood  to  war.  It  is  better  to  be  wise  than  powerful  j 
it  is  better  to  be  the  servant  of  God  than  the  ruler  of 
men. 

Hananiah 

Man  of  servile  obedience,  slave  of  Chaldea,  will  you 
deny  God's  word  which  commandeth  war  against  the 
oppressor^  will  you  deny  his  holy  word 


? 


Jeremiah 

But  it  is  also  written:  "In  returning  and  rest  shall 
ye  be  saved;  in  quietness  and  in  confidence  shall  be 
your  strength." 

Voices 

Yes,  thus  is  it  written. — He  speaks  truth. — His 
words  are  the  words  of  wisdom. — Nay,  he  twists  the 
scripture  to  his  own  purpose. 

Hananiah 

This  is  written  of  an  unholy  war,  of  dissension  among 
the  brethren  of  Israel.  But  ours  is  a  holy  war,  a  war 
of  God  waged  in  the  everlasting  name  of  Jerusalem,  a 
war  of  God,  a  war  of  God. 

Jeremiah  \  V:  >; 

Couple  not  God's  name  with  war.  Not  God  makes 
war,  but  man.  No  war  is  holy;  no  death  is  holy;  life 
alone  is  holy. 


54  JEREMIAH 

Baruch 

You  lie!  Life  is  given  us  that  we  may  sacrifice  it 
to  God.  I  will  offer  myself  upon  his  altar,  I  will  fall 
before  his  foes,  I  will  die  for  Israel  and  for  Israel's 
rule  upon  earth.  Never  shall  Israel  be  vanquished  so 
long  as  all  her  sons  share  these  thoughts. 

Hananiah 

Never  shall  Israel  be  vanquished  while  God's  stars 
shine  in  heaven.  If  we  join  forces  with  Egypt,  Babylon 
will  fall  into  our  hands  within  three  months. 

Voices 

[Exultantly]  Within  three  months. —  Hail  Hana- 
niah.— Hearken  to  Hananiah. — Within  three  months. 

Hananiah 
Israel  will  gain  the  victory  over  countless  thousands. 

Baruch 
He  spreads  fear  as  they  spread  gold  before  him. 

Voices 

Israel  shall  rule  the  nations. — Down  with  Ashur. — 
War. — War. — Nay,  peace. — Peace  in  Israel. — War. — 
War. — He  is  speaking  for  Ashur. — He  is  a  traitor. — 
Do  those  only  speak  truth  who  clamor  for  war? — He 
has  taken  bribes. — Let  us  not  decide  too  quickly. 


THE  WARNING  S5 

Baruch 
Send  the  coward  to  the  house  of  the  women! 

A  Woman 

[Spuing  en  Jeremiah]  His  company  would  bring 
shame  on  us.  That  for  the  man  whose  cringing  is  a 
disgrace!     War  against  Ashur! 

Jeremiah 

[Flashing  out  in  wrath]  Who  are  you  that  you 
crave  blood  so  fiercely?  Did  you  bear  children  and 
suckle  them  only  for  the  tomb?  A  curse  upon  the  man 
who  thirsts  for  blood,  but  seven  times  accursed  be  the 
woman  who  is  eager  for  war j  for  war  shall  devour  the 
fruit  of  her  womb,  and  the  men  of  Ashur  shall  cast 
lots  for  her  and  for  her  raiment.  You  and  such  as  you 
shall  be  mourners,  tearing  your  cheeks  with  your  nails, 
and  uttering  shrill  cries  of  lamentation,  you  women 
who  spit  upon  me  and  revile  peace. 

Women's  Voices 

Woe,  Woe!    Listen  to  the  curse. — Our  sons. — ^Woe, 
woe! — Man  of  terror! — ^Woe! 

Baruch 

You  can  frighten  women,  faint-heart,  but  not  men. 
Down,  down! 

Certain  Warriors 
Down  with  him.    Hunt  him  into  the  street. 


$6  JEREMIAH 

Hananiah 
Close  his  mouth ! 

Voices 

Away  with  him! — He  frightens  women. — Away 
with  him. — He  has  foretold  enough  disaster. — My 
flesh  crept  while  he  was  speaking. — ^Let  him  hold  his 
peace. 

Jeremiah 

I  will  not  hold  my  peace,  for  Jerusalem  cries  aloud 
through  my  mouth.  The  walls  of  Jerusalem  stand  up 
in  my  heart,  and  would  fain  still  stand  j  the  land  of 
Israel  blossoms  in  my  soul,  and  my  hope  is  to  safe- 
guard it.  Thy  own  blood  calls  through  me,  Jerusalem, 
that  it  may  not  be  shed  3  thy  seed,  that  it  may  not  be 
scattered  j  thy  stones,  that  they  may  not  fallj  and  thy 
name,  that  it  may  not  perish.  Stand  firm,  waverer,  and 
gather  thy  children  under  thy  care;  hearken,  Jeru- 
salem, to  my  voice  of  warning.  Hearken,  Zion,  thou 
citadel  of  God.    Keep  the  peace,  keep  the  peace! 

Voices 

[Fiercely  disputing]  Yes. — God's  peace  upon  Israel. 
— Traitor. — He  has  taken  a  bribe. — God's  peace  upon 
us. — I  would  fain  save  my  sons. — War. — War  against 
Ashur. — Leave  the  matter  to  the  king. — He  is  a  traitor. 
— We  want  to  live  at  peace. — He  is  a  coward. — He  has 
sold  himself  to  the  enemy. — War. — Peace. — Hana- 
niah speaks  the  truth. — Nay,  Jeremiah  speaks  the 
truth. — Break  the  yoke. — War. — Peace. 

[A  bustle  arises  at  the  entrance  to  the  falace.  A 
number  of  men  come  forth.  In  their  m-idst  is  Abim- 
ELECH,  swordless] 


THE  WARNING  57 

Voices 

[From  among  the  newcomer s\  Treason. — Treason. 
— Treason  in  Israel. 

\The  disfute  around  Jeremiah  ceases'\ 

Voices 

What  has  happened? — Abimelech. — What  has  hap- 
pened?— He  comes  from  the  king. — Abimelech. — 
Look  at  his  angry  frown. — Tell  us  what  has  happened. 

Abimelech 

[Standing  at  the  top  of  the  steps  beside  Jeremiah] 
Israel  has  been  sold  by  the  weaklings  j  chaffered  away 
by  the  hucksters.  Imre  and  Nahum  gained  the  upper 
hand  in  the  council.  They  spoke  against  Egypt,  and 
the  king  hearkened  to  their  words. 

Voices 

Down  with  Nahum. — ^Treason. — Imre,  the  dotard. 
— Traitor. — -What  was  the  decision? — What  did  the 
king  say? — Peace,  hail  to  peace. — God's  judgment. 

Abimelech 

His  heart  quaileth  within  him,  for  he  dreads  war. 
He  will  think  the  matter  over,  will  take  further  counsel 
ere  he  decide. 

Jeremiah 
Glory  to  Zedekiah,  girdled  with  wisdom! 


58  JEREMIAH 

Abimelech 

He  is  hedged  about  with  weakness  j  old  age  and  fear 
are  his  counselors.  For  my  part  I  threw  my  sword 
aside,  for  no  longer  will  I  wear  a  sword  while  Zion 
pays  tribute  to  Ashur. 

Baruch 

[In  ecstasy]  Soldier  of  God,  your  sword  is  holy 
since  it  flashes  for  Israel. 


Pashur 

Blessings  upon  you  that  you  will  have  naught  to  do 
with  hucksters. 

Hananiah 

Shall  we  still  hesitate?  Whose  is  the  hour?  Is  it 
that  of  Nahum,  the  huckster,  and  that  of  Imre,  the 
dotard  J  or  is  it  your  hour,  people  of  Jerusalem?  God's 
hour  has  come,  therefore  seize  it.  To  the  palace,  to 
the  king  J  let  him  behold  us  and  hear  us.  People  of 
Jerusalem,  raise  your  voices,  give  vent  to  the  breath  of 
your  anger.     To  the  palace,  to  the  palace! 


Pashur 

To  the  king!  Show  yourselves  to  him,  people  of 
Jerusalem.  To  the  king  and  to  victory!  Such  is 
God's  will. 

Voices 
To  the  king! — ^To  the  palace! — To  victory! 


JHE  WARNING  59 

Jeremiah 

[Springing  forward  to  block  the  entry  to  the  porch 
of  pillars^  Keep  the  peace,  keep  the  peace 3  you  are 
murdering  Jerusalem. 

Baruch 

[Drawing  his  sword]  Here's  for  him  who  still 
speaks  of  peace. 

Hananiah 

Cut  him  down! 

Pashur 
Down  with  the  traitor! 

Jeremiah 

Help  me,  friends  of  Godj  help  me  to  save 
Jerusalem. 

Baruch 

For  the  last  time  I  Let  us  pass  in  to  the  king.  [He 
endeavors  to  push  Jeremiah  aside] 

Jeremiah 

[Resists  and  shouts  at  the  top  of  his  voice]  No  step 
will  I  yield  to  folly!  Peace!  God's  peace  be  upon 
Israel. 

[Baruch  cuts  him  down,  and  Jeremiah  falls 
bleeding  to  the  foot  of  the  steps] 


6o  JEREMIAH 

The  Crowd 

[Scattering  in  horror]  Murder. — They  have  killed 
him. — Murder. — Who  is  it? — Jeremiah. — They  have 
killed  him. — Woe. — Why  use  force? — Why  kill  the 
prophets? — Justice  has  been  dealt  on  the  liar. — To  the 
king,  to  the  king! 

[Baruch  stands  thunderstruck  with  lowered  sword'\ 

Hananiah 

\Shouts  exultantly]  May  such  be  the  fate  of  all 
faint-hearts,  all  slaves  of  Chaldea,  all  hirelings  of 
Ashur!  To  the  palace,  to  the  king.  Save  Israel, 
deliver  Jerusalem. 

Abimelech 
Death  to  traitors!      Vengeance  on  Ashur! 

Pashur 
God  has  struck  him  down. 

Hananiah 
God's  thunderbolt  has  fallen  on  the  liar. 

The  Crowd 

[After  its  brief  fause  of  consternation y  begins  to 
flow  into  the  forch  of  pilars  of  the  falace]  To  the 
king. — Let  Israel  rule  the  nations. — War. — ^War 
against  Ashur. — Down  with  the  traitors. — To  the 
king. — God  is   on   our  side. — Down   with   Ashur. — 


THE  WARNING  6i 

Freedom. — Freedom.       [Rejoicing  they  stream  into 
the  palace] 

[Jeremiah  still  lies  in  a  swoon  at  the  base  of  the 
steps y  none  heeding  him.  The  crowd  passes  over  him 
in  a  flood,  leaving  him  like  jetsam  among  the  stones. 
Baruch,  whoy  in  his  bewilderment,  was  swept  along 
by  the  mob,  has  struggled  back  from  among  them. 
Slowly,  as  if  driven  by  an  inner  force,  he  comes  down 
to  the  swooning  man,  bends  over  him,  feels  his  brow, 
and  listens  for  his  breath] 

Baruch 

Jeremiah,  speak,  Jeremiah,  if  you  are  still  alive. 
[He  raises  Jeremiah  into  a  sitting  posture] 

Jeremiah 

[His  eyes  still  closed,  not  yet  himself y  speaks  hesi- 
tatingly] The  fiery  cloud  has  fallen.  Fire  is  raging 
through  the  town.     Woe  is  me! 

Baruch 

Keep  still  a  moment,  that  I  may  wipe  the  blood 
from  your  eyes. 

Jeremiah 

Away!  Your  face  was  full  of  hatred  towards  me. 
Your  eyes  flashed  fiercely.  Was  it  not  you  who  struck 
me  down? 

Baruch 

I  indeed  it  was  who  drew  sword  upon  you  in  anger, 


62  JEREMIAH 

but  the  blade  turned  in  my  hand  so  that  I  struck  you 
with  the  flat  only.  I  rejoice  thereat,  for  I  drew  upon 
an  unarmed  man.  I  will  pay  blood-money.  Let  me 
staunch  your  wound. 

Jeremiah 

Let  the  blood  flow.  Would  that  mine  alone  were 
to  flow  in  Jerusalem.  [Half  rising]  What  has  be- 
come of  the  crowd?  The  marketplace  is  empty. 
Have  they  gone  to  the  palace,  gone  to  force  war  upon 
the  king?      Where  are  they? 


Baruch 


Compose  yourself 


Jeremiah 

They  have  gone.  It  is  too  late.  Curse  upon  you 
for  that  you  felled  me  to  the  ground.  More,  far 
more,  than  me  have  you  slain.  Not  my  blood  alone 
has  been  shed,  but  the  blood  of  all  Israel.  Through 
you,  Zion  has  been  broken  and  destroyed.  You  have 
killed  the  watchman,  and  they  are  raging  in  the  holy 
places  of  the  Lord.  Let  me  rise.  Avaunt,  murderer 
of  Israel! 

Baruch 

What  do  you  wish  to  do? 

Jeremiah 

[7«  febrile  excitefnent\  Help  me,  help  me  to  my 
feet,      You  struck  me  down,  so  now  you  must  help 


THE  WARNING  63 

me.  Perhaps  there  is  still  time.  [Distant  shouts  are 
heard  from  the  falace\  Their  jubilation  means  death 3 
their  joy  means  destruction.  Too  late!  Too  late! 
For  Jerusalem's  sake  I  must  give  warning.  Your  aid! 
I  must  go  to  him.  The  hour  calls.  \He  struggles  to 
his  feet\ 

Baruch 

\Confused\  Whither  away?  You  are  still  too 
weak  to  do  anything. 

Jeremiah 

Let  me  testify  against  Hananiah,  against  Pashur; 
against  those  who  would  lure  to  warj  against  the 
people.     I  must  cry  the  words  of  peace  .   .   . 

Baruch 

Will  you  make  the  attempt  once  again,  alone  against 
them  all?  Great,  indeed,  is  the  force  that  drives  you. 
Steadfastly  did  you  face  my  sword,  you  whom  I  had 
despised  as  a  coward,  whom  I  had  proclaimed  a  faint- 
heart before  the  people.  But  in  the  strength  of  your 
will  you  are  ready  to  defy  death,  proving  yourself  a 
mighty  man  of  valor. 

Jeremiah 

If  you  reverence  me,  then  help  me.  Help  me  to 
cry  aloud.      Help  me  to  save  Zion  from  destruction. 

Baruch 

[Sufforting  him]  I  will  help  you,  Jeremiah,  against 
my  will,  for  you  have  In  you  a  power  which  compels 


64  JEREMIAH 

me.  I  had  believed  you  a  weakling,  and  therefore  did 
I  oppose  you  as  one  who  shunned  action  and  favored 
the  easy  path  of  peace. 

Jeremiah 

The  easy  path  of  peace!  Do  you  fancy  that  peace 
is  not  action,  that  peace  is  not  the  action  of  all  actions? 
Day  by  day  you  must  wrest  it  from  the  mouths  of 
liars  and  from  the  hearts  of  men.  You  must  stand 
alone  against  the  multitude  j  for  clamor  is  always  on 
the  side  of  the  many,  and  the  liar  has  ever  the  first 
word.  The  meek  must  be  strong  j  those  who  desire 
peace  are  continually  at  war. 

Baruch 
But  you  will  not  go  alone? 

Jeremiah 

I  must  go,  I  must  go.  I  must  make  my  words  good. 
Empty  is  the  speech  of  him  who  will  not  stand  by  it 
with  his  life.  Let  me  publish  my  visions  j  let  me  pro- 
claim my  warning  before  the  king. 

Baruch 

I  would  fain  go  with  you,  would  fain  do  what  you 
are  doing,  for  it  is  borne  in  on  me  that  you  are 
beginning  a  great  work. 

Jeremiah 

You  would  walk  with  me?  But  did  you  not  resist 
me  with  your  will  and  with  your  sword? 


THE  WARNING  65 

Baruch 

You  are  too  strong  for  me,  and  I  who  stood  up 
against  you  wish  to  help  you  now.  Your  blood  has 
won  me  to  your  cause.  I  will  do  what  you  do,  for  I 
have  faith  in  you,  Jeremiah,  who  faced  my  sword  so 
steadfastly. 

Jeremiah 

You  believe  in  me,  against  the  priests  and  the 
prophets  who  deny  me,  against  the  people  and  the  city? 

Baruch 

I  believe  in  you,  for  you  have  shed  your  blood  for 
your  words. 

Jeremiah 

You  believe  in  me  when  I  myself  hardly  believe  in 
my  own  dreams.     Is  it  true,  boy? 

B4RUCH 

I  believe  in  you,  for  I  saw  you  stand  steadfast 
against  death.     Your  will  is  my  will. 

Jeremiah 

[Greatly  moved]  You  believe  in  me,  you  who 
wounded  me,  who  resisted  me  to  the  uttermost?  You 
are  the  first  to  believe  in  me,  you  whose  very  name  is 
unknown  to  me. 

Baruch 

I  am  Baruch,  the  son  of  Zebulon  of  Gilead. 


66  JEREMIAH 

Jeremiah 

No  longer  will  you  be  any  man's  son,  if  you  believe 
in  me.  Despised  and  rejected  will  you  be,  should 
you  follow  me.  He  who  would  shine  in  the  word, 
must  burn  in  the  flames.  Think  well,  Baruch.  You 
are  little  more  than  a  boy.  You  have  shed  my  blood, 
shall  I  therefore  shed  yours? 

Baruch 
Let  me  go  with  you,  for  the  sake  of  Jerusalem, 

Jeremiah 

For  the  sake  of  Jerusalem!  Indeed  and  indeed 
Jerusalem  needs  help  in  this  hour.  Come,  then, 
Baruch,  first-born  of  my  faith,  son  of  my  anguish, 
support  me  that  we  may  testify  together.  My  anguish 
shall  be  turned  against  the  king,  my  sorrow  shall  be 
thundered  in  his  ears.  Aid  me,  aid  me  against  king 
and  people. 

Baruch 
I  will  go  with  you. 

[Exultant  shouts  nearer  at  hand] 

Jeremiah 

Woe,  woe!  When  the  mob  rejoices,  disaster  is 
afoot. 

Baruch 
They  are  streaming  forth  from  the  palace. 


THE  WARNING  67 

Jeremiah 

Forward,  let  us  meet  them.     Lend  me  the  strength 
of  your  arm,  for  I  am  still  weak. 

Baruch 

The  king  is  among  them.  He  carries  a  naked 
sword.     They  are  making  for  the  temple. 

Jeremiah 
Help  me  forward.     There  is  still  time, 

Baruch 

The  clamor  echoes  through  the  marketplace. 
Hananiah  is  dancing  before  them  even  as  David  danced 
before  the  ark.  The  war-makers  have  triumphed. 
It  is  too  late.  Give  way  before  them.  Hide  your- 
self.    It  is  too  late. 

Jeremiah 

It  is  never  too  late.  Let  me  forth  to  encounter 
them. 

Baruch 

What  would  you  do?  Let  me  go  instead,  for  I  am 
young  and  strong. 

Jeremiah 

I  would  brandish  the  word  against  them  like  a  sword. 
I  would  turn  the  king's  heart.     Let  me  go  to  him. 

[Shouting  and  singing,  the  crowd  streams  out  of  the 
falace,  down  the  stefs,  and  then  wp  again  towards  the 


68  JEREMIAH 

tern  fie.     All  are  in  a  frenzy,  shouting  for  war  and  for 
victory^ 

Hananiah 

\Drunken  with  excitement y  leading  the  way  to  the 
/<?w^/<9]  Open  the  gates.  Throw  the  gates  wide.  The 
king  will  swear  before  the  altar  the  oath  of  alliance 
against  Ashur! 

Voices 

Hail  to  the  alliance! — Day  of  promise! — Slavery  is 
overthrown! — Down  with  Ashur! — Hail  Zedekiah!  — 
Victory,  victory! — Israel  shall  rule  the  nations. — God 
is  on  our  side. 

[King  Zedekiah,  followed  by  the  Egyptian  envoys, 
has  come  out  of  the  palace.  He  hears  a  drawn  sword. 
His  expression  is  grave.  Amid  the  exultant  crowd  he 
seems  oppressed  with  thought.  Scarcely  heeding  the 
tumult  and  the  acclamations,  he  makes  for  the  temple 
with  slow  strides.  Suddenly,  above  the  clamor  of  the 
multitude,  rises  the  voice  of  Jeremiah] 


Jeremiah 

Zedekiah,  Zedekiah,  sheathe  thy  sword. 

\Disorder  in  the  crowd;  the  cries  are  stilled.  The 
king,  standing  on  the  steps  of  the  temple,  looks  round 
for  the  speaker] 

Jeremiah 

[Shouting  yet  m^ore  loudly]  Sheathe  thy  sword, 
Zedekiah!  Thus  wilt  thou  save  Jerusalem.  Give 
peace  to  Israel,  God's  peace. 


THE  WARNING  69 

The  Crowd 

[Vociferating  wildly^  War!  War  upon  Ashur!  — 
Who  is  the  speaker? — He  is  sold  to  the  enemy. — 
Down  with  all  traitors. — Israel  shall  rule  the 
nations. — War,  war! 

[The  voice  of  Jeremiah  is  drowned  amid  the  gen- 
eral wproar.  He  is  thrust  aside j  and  Baruch  has 
difficulty  in  "protecting  him.  With  redoubled  energy 
the  crowd  continues  to  shout  in  an  ecstasy  around  the 
king.  Zedekiah  stands  awhile^  still  trying  to  find 
the  one  who  had  called  on  hifn  to  sheathe  the  sword. 
For  a  moment y  indeed^  he  lowers  his  weapon^  and  seems 
to  he  looking  round  for  help.  Buty  amid  fanatical 
cries  of  the  populace y  the  gates  are  opened.  After  a 
moment*s  further  hesitationy  Zedekiah  raises  his 
sword  once  morey  and  with  earnest  mien  inounts  the  last 
steps  and  disappears  into  the  temple\ 


RUMORS 


SCENE  THREE 

Because  ye  speak  this  word,  behold,  I  will  make  my 
words  in  thy  mouth  fire,  and  this  people,  wood,  and 
it  shall  devour  them.    Jeremiah  V,  14. 


i 


SCENE  THREE 

The  same  square  in  front  of  the  temfle  and  the 
king^s  falace.  Groups  of  idlers,  men  and  women, 
loiter  wpon  the  steps,  some  sitting  and  some  standing. 
In  the  streets  and  in  the  porch  of  pillars  there  is  the 
usual  coming  and  going  of  persons  working  and 
conversing. 

A  Man 

\One  of  the  larger  group  on  the  steps]  I  have  it  for 
certain  that  there  has  been  a  great  battle  between 
Nebuchadnezzar  and  Pharaoh. 


Another  Man 

I  have  heard  the  same  report.      A  messenger  has 
come. 

A  Voice 

That  means  nothing.    Messengers  are  always  coming 
to  the  palace. 

The  Second  Man 
But  I  have  spoken  to  him.      I'm  sure  of  it. 

The  Voice 

Have  you  spoken  to  the  messenger? 

75 


76  JEREMIAH 

The  Second  Man 

No,  it  was  Aphitor,  the  king's  scribe.  He  told  me 
that  a  battle  had  begun,  a  great  battle. 

The  First  Man 

A  mighty  battle,  such  as  there  has  never  been 
before  within  the  memory  of  man,  Egypt  against 
Nebuchadnezzar. 

Voices 

May  the  heavens  crush  him,  the  accursed. — Egypt 
is  all-powerful. — Our  army  is  there  too. — They  will 
know  how  to  deal  with  him,  the  man  of  pride. 

A  Voice 
God  will  break  him,  for  God  is  on  our  side. 

Another  Voice 

The  Egyptians  are  strong,  and  Nebuchadnezzar  will 
not  be  able  to  withstand  them. 


A  Third  Voice 
Nebuchadnezzar  is  likewise  strong.     They  say  .  .   . 

A  Fourth  Voice 

[Interrupting^  Let  them  say,  the  faint-hearts.    Who 
cares  what  they  say? 


RUMORS  77 

Third  Voice 

They  say  that  his  warriors  are  like  a  swarm  of 
locusts. 

Another  Voice 

Warriors!  His  men  are  no  warriors!  Small  in 
stature  are  they  like  boys,  and  unhandy  with  their 
swords.  My  sister's  husband  has  seen  many  of  them. 
Among  the  women  they  are  men,  but  they  are  not  men 
in  battle.      [Laughter] 

Voices 

Pharaoh  will  destroy  them. — He  will  sweep  them 
like  cha£F  from  the  threshing-floor. — Long  live 
Pharaoh! 

Others 

[Hearing  the  shouts  and  coming  to  join  the  group] 
What  is  he  saying  about  Pharaoh? 

A  Voice 

Pharaoh  is  fighting  a  great  battle  against  Nebuchad- 
nezzar. 

Other  Voices 

He  will  conquer. — He  will  set  us  free. — ^Long  live 
Pharaoh. — Pharaoh  for  ever. — They  shall  grave  him 
a  tablet  of  fine  gold. — ^Long  live  Pharaoh,  the 
conqueror  of  Ashur. 

Newcomers 

[Eager  to  know  what  is  afoot]  What  is  it?  What 
has  happened? 


78  JEREMIAH 

One  of  the  Recent  Comers 
Pharaoh  has  defeated  Nebuchadnezzar. 

Voices 

Hail  Pharaoh-Necho ! — Is  it  true?  I  must  go  home 
and  tell  my  wife. — Hail  Pharaoh-Necho! 

A  Voice 
But  we  have  no  certain  news  yet. 

Other  Voices 

What  do  you  mean  by  saying  the  news  is  not  cer- 
tain?— Can  you  doubt  it? — I  have  always  known  that 
God  would  strengthen  our  arms. — Victory  is  ever  on 
God's  side. — None  can  stand  against  us. 

One  of  the  Group 

[Haslening  away,  shouting  as  he  goes\  The  victory 
is  ours.     Pharaoh  has  defeated  Nebuchadnezzar. 

[Hearing  these  wordsy  idlers  in  the  square  flock  to 
join  the  group  on  the  steps] 

Voices 

They  are  talking  of  a  victory. — Is  it  true  that 
Pharaoh  has  vanquished  Nebuchadnezzar? — Quite 
true. — No  one  really  knows  yet. — It  is  absolutely  cer- 
tain.— Who  says  so? — Everyone  says  so. — The  king's 
scribe  says  so. 


RUMORS  79 

A  Man 

^Detaching  Mmself  from  the  crowd y  runs  away 
j/to^/m^]  Victory!  Victory  at  last.  Hail  Pharaoh.  I 
must  get  home  with  the  news.      Victory  over  Ashur. 

The  Crowd 

[Swelling  in  numbers y  growing  more  enthusiastic  as 
it  is  enheartened  by  its  own  clamor^  It  was  God's  will 
that  we  should  begin  this  war. — Hail  Zedekiah! — Now 
we  must  conquer  all  the  others. — Israel  shall  rule  the 
nations. — A  sacrifice  on  the  altar. — Give  praise  unto 
God,  for  that  he  has  cast  down  our  enemies. — They 
shall  be  our  bondsmen. — My  heart  has  thirsted  for 
this  hour. 

A  Voice 
A  messenger  is  coming  from  the  gate  of  the  city. 

The  Crowd 

[Making  a  rush  in  the  direction  of  the  last  voice]  A 
messenger. — A  messenger. — Who  said  so? — He  comes 
from  beyond  the  walls. — What  news  does  he  bring? 
Where  is  he? 

[A  messengery  drenched  with  sweat  and  gasping  for 
breathy  struggles  through  the  crowd] 

Voices 

Tell  us  the  news. — Pharaoh  is  victorious. — ^What  has 
happened  to  Nebuchadnezzar? — How  many  have  been 
slain? 


8o  JEREMIAH 

The  Messenger 

Let  me  be.  Make  room.  My  message  is  for  the 
king. 

Voices 

Don't  be  so  churlish. — Let  us  hear  one  word  at 
least. — Has  he  fled? — Tell  us  the  news. — ^Let  the  man 
alone. — His  business  is  with  the  king. — Just  a  word. 

The  Messenger 

[Breaking  loose]  Let  me  be,  let  me  be.  You  will 
learn  soon  enough.  My  message  is  urgent,  and  for 
the  king.      [Exit  messenger.] 

Voices 

What  did  he  say.?  The  message  was  urgent. — ^What 
did  he  say.? 

A  Voice 

He  said  we  should  soon  hear,  but  that  he  must  go  to 
the  king  at  once. 

Another  Voice 
That  is  good  news. 

A  Third  Voice 
Wherefore  good.? 

The  Second  Voice 

Would  the  bearer  of  evil  tidings  be  in  so  desperate 
a  hurry? 


i 


I 


RUMORS  8 1 

Voices 

True,  true.- — The  king  will  pay  him  a  silver  shekel 
for  every  word. — He  is  eager  to  earn  the  messenger's 
guerdon. — He  brings  tidings  of  victory. — Victory!  — 
Good  news. — ^Victory! 

Some  Newcomers 
What  has  happened?      Why  are  you  shouting? 

Voices 

Victory! — Victory! — A  messenger  has  come. — He 
brings  tidings  of  victory. — Nebuchadnezzar  is  beaten. 
— A  great  and  glorious  victory. — God  be  praised. — 
Alleluia!  The  news  is  certain. — ^Victory. — ^Victory!, 

A  Voice 
It  must  be  a  mighty  victory. 

A  Second  Voice 
Were  it  otherwise  he  would  not  have  been  so  secret. 

A  Third  Voice 
They  grudge  us  the  news. 

A  Newcomer 

[Pressing  forward]  Is  it  true?  Is  Nebuchadnezzar 
slain?      So  the  word  runs  from  street  to  street. 


82  JEREMIAH 

Voices 

Yes,  slain  is  the  oppressor. — Nay,  the  news  is  not  yet 
confirmed. — But  the  messenger  said  soj  he  told  us  that 
Nebuchadnezzar  had  been  killed  in  his  tent. — Myriads 
of  the  enemy  have  fallen  with  him,  God  be  thanked. — 
The  oppressor  is  slain. — Alleluia! 

An  Old  Man 
But  all  that  the  messenger  said  was  .    .   . 

Voices 

He  told  us  of  the  victory. — Why  are  you  still  in 
doubt? — I  wish  we  could  exterminate  these  faint- 
hearts.— I  heard  it  myself. — So  did  I. — So  did  I. — 
The  messenger  said  that  Nebuchadnezzar  had  been 
killed  in  his  tent. — No,  he  never  said  that. — Yes. — 
No. — But  undoubtedly  he  brought  tidings  of  victory. — 
Israel  is  free. — Free! 

The  Old  Man 

I  tell  you  I  was  standing  quite  close  to  him.  I  could 
hear  every  word  he  said. 

Voices 

Your  ears  and  your  heart  are  deafened. — These  kill- 
joys should  themselves  be  killed. — Let  us  don  our 
festal  attire. — Out  of  the  way,  chatterbox. 


RUMORS  83 

A  Voice 

Hananiah  was  a  true  prophet.  Wise  were  we  to 
heed  his  words,  and  not  to  hearken  to  those  who 
declared  that  the  temple  would  fall  .   .   . 

Another  Voice 
Who  said  that  Ashur  would  lay  Zion  low  ... 

A  Third  Voice 

Who  said  that  our  maids  would  be  ravished  by  the 
Chaldeans  .   .    . 

First  Voice 

To  the  temple,  to  the  temple.  Let  us  give  thanks 
there  to  God,  and  to  Hananiah,  his  prophet! 

Voices 

No,  let  us  wait  here,  for  the  king  will  come  soon. — 
Who  said  so? — Kings  always  appear  in  public  after  a 
victory. — The  king  will  go  to  the  temple. — The  king 
must  be  the  first  to  offer  a  sacrifice. — All  right,  let  us 
stay  here. — Let  us  send  for  drums  and  cymbals  to  cele- 
brate the  victory. — We  will  dance  like  David  before 
the  ark. — God  is  once  more  showing  his  love  for 
Jerusalem. — Fetch  the  dancers. — Summon  the  women. 
— Call  the  trumpeters  and  the  lute-players. — Let  us 
make  merry  and  give  praise  to  the  king  of  kings. 

[  The  crowd  sways  to  and  fro  joy  fully  y  in  movements 
like  those  of  a  troubled  sea.  Groups  form^  dis- 
solve y  and  reform.       The  general   mood  is   one   of 


84  JEREMIAH 

expectation  and  impatience.  Jeremiah  and  Baruch 
enter  from  a  side  street^  and  endeavor  to  make  their 
way  through  the  press] 


One  of  the  Crowd 
[Laughing]  Look!     There  he  comes!     Jeremiah. 

Others 

[Giving  vent  to  their  high  spirits]  Hail  to  the 
revealer! — Lo,  the  prophet  draws  nigh. — Let  us  wel- 
come the  destroyer  of  Jerusalem. — Behold  the  mob 
orator. — Come  and  join  us. 

[Some  of  the  crowd  form  a  circle  round  Jeremiah 
and  Baruch,  bowing  before  them  in  mock  veneration.] 

One  of  the  Crowd 

[With  a  profound  reverence]  Hail  anointed  of  the 
Lord! 

The  Others 

Hail  Elijah! — Hail  revealer. — Hail  mighty  man  of 
valor!      Hail  Jeremiah,  the  prophet! 

Jeremiah 

[Standing  his  ground^  glootnily]  What  would  ye 
of  me? 

Baruch 

Hold  no  converse  with  them.  Mockery  is  on  their 
lips,  and  derision  in  their  glance. 


RUMORS  85 

One  of  the  Crowd 
Deign  to  bestow  upon  us  wisdom  and  revelation. 

Another 

We  would  fain  ask  you  whether  our  daughters  shall 
keep  their  virginity 

A  Third 

Prithee  be  patient,  and  allow  the  walls  o£  Jerusalem 
to  remain  standing  yet  awhile. 

Jeremiah 

[With  conviction]  What  would  ye  of  me?  This  is 
no  time  for  jesting,  when  blood  flows  and  war  hangs 
over  Israel. 

The  First  Speaker 

The  war  is  finished,  and  we  can  make  merry  once 
more. 

The  Second  Speaker 

What  has  become  of  your  king  from  the  north? 
Tell  us,  revealer,  where  does  he  tarry? 

Jeremiah 

What  has  confused  your  senses?  Are  you  all  mad? 
Can  the  war  already  be  over  when  it  is  hardly  begun? 

Baruch 

Hold  no  speech  with  them.  He  makes  himself  a 
mock  who  speaks  with  mockers. 


86  JEREMIAH 

First  Speaker 

Jeremiah  knows  nothing  about  it  yet!     The  prophet 
knows  nothing. 

Second  Speaker 

He  does  not  know  what  happened  yesterday,  and  yet 
he  would  tell  us  what  will  happen  to-morrow. 

Jeremiah 

What  is  it  that  I  do  not  yet  know?     What  makes 
you  so  joyful?      It  must  be  something  of  ill  omen. 

First  Speaker 

He  says  it  is  something  of  ill  omen.      It  is  that,  in 
very  truth,  for  your  wishes. 

Second  Speaker 
Your  king  is  slain  and  welters  in  his  blood. 

Jeremiah 
Nebuchadnezzar  is  slain?      Ashur  is  vanquished? 

First  Speaker 

Even  so,  all-knower.     Hananiah's  word  has  been 
fulfilled. 

Second  Speaker 

Rend  your  raiment  and  clip  your  beard.      Israel  Is 
victorious. 


RUMORS  87 

Third  Speaker 

Bury  yourself,  prophet.  Cut  out  your  tongue. 
Nebuchadnezzar  is  dead,  but  Zion  endureth  for  ever. 

Jeremiah 

[Greatly  fnoved]  Nebuchadnezzar  dead?  Is  it  true, 
it  is  certain?  Tell  me,  and  do  not  jest  in  matters  of 
such  moment. 

First  Speaker 

He  still  doubts!     Weep,  prophet,  weep! 

Second  Speaker 

I  will  cry  it  aloud  in  your  ears;  dead  is  Nebuchad- 
nezzar j  overthrown  are  his  chariots;  scattered  are  his 
armies.     Israel  is  saved. 

Jeremiah 

[Remains  motionless  for  a  m,oment.  Then  he 
spreads  his  arms  wide,  drawing  a  deep  breath  of  joyful 
relief.  Dropping  his  armSy  he  speaks  fast  and  almost 
exultantly\  Blessed  be  God.  I  thank  thee,  all-good, 
that  thou  hast  brought  my  dreams  to  shame,  that  thou 
hast  saved  Jerusalem.  Better,  assuredly  that  I  should 
be  fooled  by  my  illusions  than  that  the  city  should  be 
laid  waste  by  the  foe.      Blessings  upon  God's  name. 

First  Speaker 

Yea,  all-knower,  God  is  more  merciful  than  youj 
he  loves  us  and  gladdens  our  hearts. 


/V 


88  JEREMIAH 

Second  Speaker 

What  will  your  next  revelation  be?  Into  which 
corner  will  you  creep,  mole?  Whom  will  you  now 
lead  astray? 

Third  Speaker 

Whom  will  you  now  deceive,  deceiver? 

A  Fourth  Speaker 

[With  feigned  anger,  to  the  others]  How  irrev- 
erently you  speak  to  the  messenger  of  the  Lord !  Let 
us  kiss  the  hem  of  his  garment  j  let  us  pay  honor  to  his 

visions! 

Voices 

[Mingled  with  laughter]  Prophesy  to  us  Elijah. — 
Instruct  us  further,  all-knower. — Happy  the  man  who 
puts  his  trust  in  Jeremiah. — Where  did  you  pick  up 
that  fledgling  that  chirps  at  your  heels? — Prophesy, 
Jeremiah  J  prophesy  disaster  j  mountains  of  disaster. 

Jeremiah 

[Suddenly  breaking  forth  into  speech]  A  miracle  has 
happened  people  of  Jerusalem,  a  miracle  which  de- 
livers you  from  death,  and  instead  of  trembling  with 
fear,  you  make  merry.  Hardly  an  hour  ago,  you 
were  racked  with  anxiety  j  your  hearts  are  still  quak- 
ing, and  yet  you  are  already  beginning  to  give  tongue. 
Woe  unto  you,  that  your  first  cry,  when  the  cord  is 
loosed  from  your  necks,  should  be  one  of  folly  and 
presumption. 


RUMORS  89 

Baruch 

Speak  not  with  them.      Folly  alone  holds  converse 
with  fools. 

Second  Speaker 

Stop  your  ears  as  you  may,  I  will  cry  aloud  in  my 
joy:    "The  victory  is  ours,  the  victory  is  ours!" 

Jeremiah 

[Addressing  one  of  them]  Where  have  you  con- 
quered? Whom  have  you  defeated,  that  you  should 
strut  in  the  marketplace?  There  is  no  blood  on  your 
sword.  [  To  another}  Show  the  scar  of  the  wound  you 
received  at  the  battle  front!  You  have  all  been  about 
your  business  in  the  city,  have  all  lain  in  safety  beside 
your  wives  at  night.  What  have  you  and  such  as  you 
to  do  with  the  victory  of  the  Egyptians,  with  the  deeds 
of  foreign  fighters?  Bow  your  knees  humbly,  for  the 
victory  is  not  your  work. 

Voices 

Egypt's  victory  is  Israel's  victory. — We  are  Israel.-—- 
His  very  rage  shows  that  the  victory  is  ours. 

Jeremiah 

But  it  is  not  yours,  nor  yours,  nor  yours,  you  who 
now  swell  with  pride,  battening  on  the  deeds  of  others. 
The  soldiers  have  won  the  victory,  not  you!  Meekly 
went  they  forth,  to  deal  death  and  to  suffer  itj  their 
backs  were  bent  beneath  the  weight  of  their  weapons  j 
the  shadow  of  death  fell  across  their  path,  and  all  but 
the    strongest    fainted    by    the    way.      Where    they 


90  JEREMIAH 

ploughed  with  naked  limbs,  you  would  fain  harvest 
pride.  Abandoned  wretches,  you  crave  to  quench  your 
thirst  with  their  blood.  Alas  that  they  have  conquered 
for  you  and  your  hateful  arrogance! 

Voices 

Alas  that  they  have  conquered,  did  you  hear  him? 
Let  us  rend  our  garments,  for  that  we  have  con- 
quered. Let  us  strew  ashes  on  our  heads,  for  that 
Nebuchadnezzar  is  slain. 

Jeremiah 

[His  wrath  blazing  up]  Verily,  O  people,  to  be 
among  you  is  to  dwell  among  scorpions  j  but  I  say  unto 
you  that  your  laughter  shall  wither  more  quickly  than 
the  blossoms  of  the  vine.  God  has  been  gracious  to 
you.  Again  has  he  saved  Jerusalem  j  yet  not  for  your 
laughter,  but  for  the  sake  of  those  who  are  humble  in 
spirit.  You  will  not  acknowledge  him  in  his  gentle- 
ness, men  of  evil.  So  be  itj  ere  long  shall  you 
acknowledge  him  in  his  wrath.  Like  a  curtain  shall 
he  rend  your  laughter  asunder,  and  in  your  terror  your 
eyes  shall  become  fixed  like  stones.  Your  joy  then 
must  you  put  behind  you,  Jerusalem,  for  the  hour  of 
retribution  is  at  hand,  and  terrible  is  the  doom  that 
awaits  you. 

Voices 

The  walls  shall  crumble. — The  virgins  shall  weep. — 
We  have  heard  it  all  before. — Zion  shall  perish. — 
Jeremiah,  Jeremiah,  you  alone  are  wise  among  fools. 
— To  him  our  rejoicing  is  bitter  as  gall. — Do  you  hear 
the  cracking  of  the  walls? 


RUMORS  91 

Jeremiah 

Do  you  scorn  the  messenger  of  doom?  But  the 
avenger  is  at  hand,  who  shall  purge  you  of  your 
accursed  pride  j  drawn  is  the  sword  which  shall  hew 
away  your  presumption  j  the  bearer  of  evil  tidings  is 
afoot  J  he  is  running,  he  is  runnings  his  swift  footsteps 
lead  towards  Jerusalem.  Already  he  is  at  hand,  the 
messenger  of  fear,  the  messenger  of  terror  j  his  words 
will  fall  on  you  like  the  blows  of  a  hammer  j  even  now 
he  is  entering  the  gate. 

Voices 

Go  home,  Jeremiah. — Sate  yourself  with  your  own 
venom,  and  do  not  vomit  it  forth  upon  our  joy. 

A  Voice 

[In  the  hackground\  A  messenger!  He  is  coming 
from  Moria  gate. 

The  Crowd 

[Again  rushing  in  the  direction  of  the  voiced  A  mes- 
senger? Where  is  he?  He  brings  further  news  of 
the  victory. 

Jeremiah 

[Trembling  with  jear\  The  messenger!  The 
messenger! 

A  Voice 

He  runs  hitherward  from  the  gate,  and  he  reels  like 
a  drunken  man  from  weariness. 


92  JEREMIAH 

Voices 

Where  is  he? — Here  he  comes.  [Messenger  enters. 
The  crowd  surrounds  him  as  he  tries  to  hasten  to  the 
palace  and  sinks  to  the  ground  exhausted^  Hail  you 
who  bring  tidings  of  victory. — Hail. — Tell  us  your 
news. 

The  Messenger 

\So  breathless  he  can  hardly  sneaky  tries  to  rise  and 
make  his  way  forward^  Room,  room,  let  me  go  to  the 
king. 

Voices 

Just  a  word. — How  did  Nebuchadnezzar  die? 

The  Messenger 

Are  you  all  struck  with  madness?  Why  this  jubi- 
lation in  Jerusalem?  To  arms!  To  arms!  Let  me 
pass  to  the  king. 

Voices 

What  has  happened? — Is  Nebuchadnezzar  still 
alive? — Pharaoh  has  beaten  him. — Why  this  call  to 
arms? 

The  Messenger 

He  draws  near  with  all  his  forces.  Nebuchadnezzar 
is  close  at  hand.  Hardly  could  I  outrun  his  riders. 
To  arms,  to  arms!      Sentinels  to  the  walls. 

Voices 

What  does  the  man  say? — Who  has  been  beaten? — 
Where  is  Pharaoh? — You  don't  know  what  you  are 


RUMORS  93 

talking  about. — Get  him  some  water. — Nebuchad- 
nezzar alive? — It  is  impossible. — What  has  become  of 
the  Egyptians? 

The  Messenger 

Water!  I  am  worn  out.  The  Egyptians  have 
been  routed.  Necho  has  made  peace,  and  must  pay 
tribute  to  Ashur.  Nebuchadnezzar  is  coming  j  his 
riders  are  at  my  heels.      I  must  to  the  king. 

[Some  of  the  crowd  help  the  Messenger  to  the 
-palace^ 

Voices 

[From  the  hack]  What  did  he  say? — Are  the 
Chaldeans  beaten? — Why  does  not  the  man  tell  us 
what  has  happened? 

[Anxiety  gradually  spreads  through  the  crowd y  and 
the  tumult  of  rejoicing  is  stilled.  In  their  stupefac- 
tion all  are  mute  for  a  while^  and  then  terrified  voices 
break  the  silence] 

The  Crowd 

Impossible! — It  cannot  be  true. — The  man  is  a 
liar. — ^He  was  drunk. — Nay,  he  was  only  staggering 
from  fatigue. — He  said  the  horsemen  were  hard  at  his 
heels. — The  whole  story  is  false. — The  messenger  had 
not  the  mien  of  a  liar. — It  cannot  be  true. — God  would 
never  allow  such  a  thing  to  happen. 


A  Voice 
[houdly]  Pharaoh  has  betrayed  us. 


94  JEREMIAH 

Other  Voices 

[Quickly  and  angrily  taking  up  the  cry]  Pharaon 
has  betrayed  us. — A  curse  upon  Pharaoh. — Egypt  has 
sworn  a  peace. — A  curse  upon  Mizraim. — -The 
Egyptians  are  traitors. 

A  Voice 

I  have  always  said  that  we  should  never  form  an 
alliance  with  Egypt. 

Voices 

So  did  I. — So  did  I. — ^We  all  said  so. — Accursed  be 
Pharaoh. — What  will  happen  to  us  now? — Alas  for 
Israel. — My  wife. — My  children. — I  warned  you  what 
would  happen. — So  did  I. 

A  Man 

[Rushing  in]  To  arms!  To  arms!  Close  the 
gates,  Nebuchadnezzar  and  his  hordes  are  at  hand. 
The  advance  guard  has  already  reached  Hebron. 

Voices 

Hebron  did  he  say? — To  arms! — Nay,  peace,  peace! 
Let  us  march  out  against  him. — All  is  lost. — From  the 
very  first  I  told  you  what  would  happen. 


One  of  the  Crowd 

[Pointing  to  Jeremiah  who  leans  brokenly  against 
a  pillar y  his  face  hidden]  Look,  there  is  the  man. 


RUMORS  95 

Voices 
What? — Who? — What  do  you  mean? 

The  Same  Man 

It  is  his  doing.  He  summoned  them.  He  an- 
nounced the  coming  of  the  messenger.  His  curse  has 
fallen  upon  us. 

Voices 

Who? — Jeremiah! — Who  is  it? — It  is  Jeremiah,  he 
has  cursed  us. — It  is  indeed  his  doing. — He  prayed  for 
Nebuchadnezzar's  victory. — He  is  sold  to  the  enemy. — 
Tear  him  to  pieces. — Touch  him  notj  he  foretold  what 
would  happen  J  he  is  a  true  prophet. — He  has  been 
bribed. — See  how  he  stands  there  brooding. 

The  Same  Man 

He  hides  his  face  lest  we  should  see  his  laughter. 
But  he  makes  merry  too  soon.  Zion  still  stands j 
Jerusalem  shall  endure  for  ever. 

[A  herald  comes  hastily  from  the  palace] 

Voices 
A  herald. — A  messenger  from  the  king. — Silence. 

[The  crowd  gathers  round  the  steps  to  hear  the 
heraWs  announcement] 

The  Herald 

A  message  from  the  king!  The  enemy  is  about  to 
attack  Jerusalem.      The  Chaldeans  are  at  the  gates. 


96  JEREMIAH 

Let  every  man  able  to  bear  arms  make  ready  to  fight  j 
women  m.ust  fashion  arrows.  All  that  are  sick  and 
weakly  must  leave  the  city.  Let  every  man  store 
what  food  he  may  in  his  house  lest  hunger  overcome 
us.  For  our  walls  can  withstand  attack  j  Baal  can 
do  naught  against  Jehovah,  nor  can  Ashur  prevail 
against  Zion. 

The  Crowd 

True,  true. — ^We  will  make  ready. — God  is  on  our 
side. — To  arms! 

The  Herald 

Let  none  hold  back  3  let  none  be  faint-hearted.  Who 
speaks  of  fear,  him  shall  ye  put  to  the  sword  j  who 
talks  of  flight,  him  shall  ye  chase  beyond  the  walls. 
Ye  may  not  gather  in  the  streets  j  each  shall  keep  his 
own  house,  ready  for  the  fight.  Up,  Israel!  Gather 
your  forces,  fearing  nothing,  for  Jerusalem  endureth 
for  ever! 

The  Crowd 

[Again  in  tumult]  Jerusalem  endureth  for  ever, — 
To  arms. — I  must  fetch  my  sword. — Up,  against 
Ashur. — Let  us  take  heart. — ^To  the  walls. — We  shall 
break  them. — Jerusalem  endureth  for  ever. 

[  The  crowd  disperses  in  confusiony  so  that  the  square 
is  rapidly  emptiedy  and  the  noise  is  followed  hy  silence, 
Jeremiah  slowly  draws  himself  upy  andy  still  hiding 
his  facey  ascends  the  steps  of  the  temple.  Baruch 
follows  him] 

Baruch 

Whither  away,  master?  Do  not  leave  your  faithful 
disciple. 


RUMORS  97 

Jeremiah 

I  must  go  alone  to  seek  light  from  the  Lord.  He 
made  me  deliver  a  sign  before  the  people.  Neverthe- 
less, Baruch,  I  cannot  believe  that  the  faces  in  my 
ghastly  visions  are  truly  from  God.  Would  that  I 
could  feel  assured  they  are  all  illusion,  and  not  the 
message  of  God's  spirit.  Woe  indeed  if  I  be  chosen. 
as  revealer  and  if  my  dreams  be  true. 

Baruch 

You  are  chosen,  master.  It  has  been  made  plain  to 
me  in  this  hour.  The  sign  came  to  you  from  God. 
The  spirit  and  the  power  of  the  prophets  are  upon  you. 

Jeremiah 

[Still  mounting  the  stefs,  flees  before  hiniy  repelling 
Baruch  with  his  hands]  Say  not  that  I  am  chosen. 
Tempt  me  not!  For  Israel's  sake,  for  Jerusalem's 
sake,  it  is  impossible  that  my  words  can  be  true.  Far 
better  for  me  to  bear  the  laughter  and  the  scorn  of  the 
people,  than  that  this  message  of  terror  should  be  ful-  ' 
filled.  Rather  let  me  be  proved  liar  and  fool,  than 
the  prophet  of  such  a  truth.  May  I  be  thy  victim  ( 
Lord,  and  not  this  city.  Let  me  disappear  into  the 
darkness  of  oblivion,  if  thy  towers  may  still  shine,  O 
Jerusalem.  May  my  words  vanish  like  smoke,  so 
long  as  thou  endurest,  eternal  city.  God  forget  me, 
if  he  will  but  remember  thee.  I  will  kneel  before  his 
altar  praying  him  to  give  me  the  liej  I  will  beseech 
him  to  prove  my  message  false.  Pray  with  me, 
Baruch,  that  I  be  known  for  a  liar  in  Jerusalem. 


\ 


98 


JEREMIAH 


[Jeremiah,  humbly  bending  his  heady  goes  up  the 
last  steps  into  the  porch  of  pillars  of  the  temple. 
Without  moving y  Baruch  gazes  after  him  until  he 
disappears^ 


THE  WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS 


I 


jSI 


SCENE  FOUR 

Again  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  saying: 
.  .  .  When  I  bring  the  sword  upon  a  land,  if  the  people 
of  the  land  take  a  man  from  among  them,  and  set  him 
for  their  watchman,  ...  if  the  watchman  see  the 
sword  come,  and  blow  not  the  trumpet,  and  the  people 
be  not  warned,  and  the  sword  come,  and  take  any 
person  from  among  them,  ...  his  blood  will  I  require 
at  the  watchman's  hand.    Ezekiel  XXXIII,  1-6. 


I 


SCENE   FOUR 

On  the  ramfarts  of  Jerusalem.  The  walls y  of  hewn 
stoney  surround  the  town.  In  the  background  is  the 
starry  skjy  and  faint  in  the  distance  the  valley  with 
hazy  outlines  and  lights  twinkling  here  and  there. 
The  masonry  shines  in  the  mroonlight.  On  the  wall 
two  sentries  march  up  and  down.  Their  faces  are 
shadowed  by  their  helmets;  their  spears  gleam  as  they 
m^ove.  Though  the  hour  is  late  and  midnight  ap~ 
proacheSy  a  few  civilians  have  ventured  on  to  the  wall 
and  are  looking  out  into  the  distance. 

A  Woman 

It  is  bedtime.  You  will  see  the  wretches  soon 
enough  in  the  morning.  Do  come  homej  this  may  be 
our  last  quiet  night. 

A  Man 

How  can  one  sleep  when  the  enemy  is  arrayed 
against  us?  My  heart  has  been  heavier  than  lead 
since  I  have  been  standing  herej  and  yet  I  cannot  leave. 
It  seems  as  if  I  were  forced  to  remain  in  the  flood 
which  is  rising  to  overwhelm  us.  Last  night  and 
to-day  the  horsem.en  have  been  streaming  across  the 
plain.  Again  and  again  we  thought  that  all  must  have 
come,  but  still  there  came  more  and  yet  more,  as  if 
whole  countries  had  been  emptied  like  sacks  of  grain  j 
while  the  spears  were  as  the  stalks  of  the  corn  in 
number. 

103 


104  JEREMIAH 

Another 

Already  have  they  pitched  their  tents,  so  that  a  white 
forest  now  stands  in  the  valley. 

A  Third 
Alas,  they  are  settling  down  for  the  siege. 

A  Fourth 

They  must  have  come  with  the  speed  of  the  wind. 
Yesterday  they  were  still  at  Bethel,  and  to-day  they 
have  already  encircled  Zion. 

The  First  Man 
Terrible  is  the  might  of  Ashur.     God  help  us  all. 

The  Woman 

Look  at  the  glow  in  the  north,  like  a  pillar  rising 
heavenward. 

Second  Man 
That  is  where  Samaria  lies. 

Third  Man 

'Tis  a  pillar  of  fire  that  rises  heavenward.  Samaria 
has  fallen. 

Voices 

Alas! — It  is  not  possible. — Samaria  is  a  strong 
fortress,  within  a  triple  wall. — Nay,  it  Is  certainly 
Samaria. 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         105 

A  Voice 

Look  there  to  the  east,  another  pillar  of  fire.  That 
must  be  Gilgal. 

Another  Voice 

They  are  ravaging  the  countryside  like  a  hurricane. 
Fierce  is  the  wrath  of  Ashur. 

Another  Voice 

Never  should  we  have  entered  into  a  struggle  with 
such  as  they. 

Voices 

Who  began  it? — Not  we. — Not  I. — It  was  the  king. 
— It  was  the  priests. — We  wanted  to  live  at  peace  with 
them. 

A  Voice 
Egypt  lured  us  on,  and  then  betrayed  us. 

Voices 

Yes,  it  was  Egypt. — It  was  Pharaoh. — A  curse  upon 
Pharaoh. — The  Egyptians  have  sold  us  to  the  enemy, 
have  abandoned  us  to  our  misery. — Where  are  the  fifty 
thousand  bowmen  they  promised?  We  are  alone. — 
All  is  lost. 

Another  Voice 

Woe,  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem.  Thou  art  given  over 
to  thine  enemies,  and  those  who  hate  thee  are  showing 
their  teeth. 


io6 


JEREMIAH 

First  Sentry 


[Fiercely  interrupting]  Away  with  you!  Why  are 
you  loitering  on  the  walls?  Home  to  your  wives,  and 
to  bed.      We  stand  guard  for  you. 


A  Man 


We  want  to  see 


First  Sentry 


There  is  nothing  to  see.  You  have  been  clamoring 
for  Ashur,  and  now  Ashur  has  come.  Leave  it  to  us 
men-at-arms  to  chase  them  home  again.  For  your- 
selves, go  sleep,  or  pray  if  you  cannot  sleep. 


But  tell  us  . 


A  Man 


First  Sentry 


Naught  to  tell.  There  has  been  too  much  talking 
already  J  the  time  has  come  for  blows.     Away,  away! 

[The  two  sentries  roughly  clear  the  loiterers  from 
the  wall.  The  crowd  disappears  in  the  darkness  down 
the  steps  leading  from  the  wall  into  the  shadow.  When 
all  have  gone^  quiet  reigns.  In  the  white  moonlight 
the  sentries  stand  like  figures  of  brass] 


First  Sentry 

They  give  way  to  despair  at  the  first  gleam  of  an 
enemy's  spear.  They  must  not  be  allowed  to  talk  like 
that. 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         107 

Second  Sentry 

One  who  is  afraid  and  cannot  master  his  fear  must 
perforce  speak.    It  is  of  no  use,  and  yet  it  gives  relief. 

First  Sentry 
Let  them  sleep,  not  chatter. 

Second  Sentry 

Sleep  is  not  man's  servant.  Vainly  do  we  summon 
sleep  to  a  couch  of  sorrow.  To-night  many  hold  vigil 
and  look  forth  into  the  moonlight. 

First  Sentry 

In  any  case,  those  alone  should  speak  who  wear  a 
sword.     We  stand  guard  for  all. 

l^The  two  sentries  are  silent  for  a  while,  marching 
to  and  fro] 

Second  Sentry 

[Stands  and  listens]     Do  you  hear? 

First  Sentry 
What?: 

Second  Sentry 

The  sound  is  very  faint,  but  the  breeze  bears  it  to 
us.  When  I  was  in  Joppa,  for  the  first  time  I  heard 
in  the  night  the  distant  murmur  of  the  waves.  Such  a 
sound  rises  now  from  the  plain.  They  are  there  in 
their  thousands,  moving  quietly,  but  the  air  is  stirred 


io8  JEREMIAH 

by  the  rolling  wheels  and  the  clashing  arms.  A  whole 
nation  must  be  afoot,  falling  upon  Israel.  The  noise 
echoes  from  our  walls  like  the  noise  of  the  sea. 


First  Sentry 

[Obdurately]      I  refuse  to  hear  anything  but  my 
orders.    I  care  not  what  wheels  roll,  or  noises  stir. 


.    Second  Sentry 

Why  does  God  hurl  the  nations  agamst  one  another? 
There  is  room  for  all  beneath  the  skies.  There  is  still 
plenty  of  land  unploughedj  many  forests  still  await 
the  axe.  Yet  men  turn  their  ploughshares  into  swords, 
and  hew  living  flesh  with  their  axes.  I  cannot  under- 
stand, I  cannot  understand. 

First  Sentry 
It  has  always  been  so. 

Second  Sentry 

But  must  it  always  be  so?  Why  does  God  wish  the 
nations  to  fight? 

First  Sentry 

The  nations  want  war  for  its  own  sake. 

Second  Sentry 

What  are  nations?  Are  not  you  one  of  our  nation, 
am  not  I  another?     Are  not  our  wives,  your  wife  and 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         109 

mine,  part  of  this  same  people?  Did  any  of  us  want 
war?  I  stand  here  armed  with  a  spear,  not  knowing 
against  whom  it  is  to  be  turned.  Down  there  in  the 
darkness,  unwitting,  waits  the  man  for  whom  it  is 
destined.  I  know  him  not,  have  never  seen  his  face, 
or  the  breast  I  must  pierce  with  death.  In  the  enemy's 
camp  another  perchance  warms  his  hands  at  the  camp 
fire,  the  man  who  is  to  kill  the  father  of  my  children. 
He  has  never  seen  me,  and  I  have  never  done  him 
harm.  We  are  strangers,  like  trees  in  the  forest.  They 
grow  quietly  and  bear  their  blossoms.  But  we  rage 
furiously  one  against  the  other  with  axe  and  with 
spear,  until  our  blood  runs  like  resin,  and  therewith 
the  life  oozes  forth.  What  puts  death  between  the 
nations?  What  is  it  which  sows  hatred  when  there  is 
room  and  to  spare  for  life,  and  when  there  is  abundant 
scope  for  love?  I  cannot  understand,  I  cannot  under- 
stand! 

First  Sentry 

These  things  must  be  God's  will,  for  they  have 
always  happened.     I  question  no  further. 

Second  Sentry 

This  crime  cannot  be  God's  will.  He  has  given  us 
our  lives  that  we  may  live  them.  Everything  that  men 
do  not  understand  they  describe  as  God's  will.  War 
does  not  come  from  God.    Whence  comes  it  then? 

First  Sentry 

How  can  I  tell  whence  it  comes?  I  know  that  there 
is  war,  and  that  it  is  useless  to  chatter  about  it.  I  do 
my  duty  3  sharpen  my  spear,  not  my  tongue. 


no  JEREMIAH 

[For  a  time  they  are  silent  once  morey  gaztng  out 
into  the  white  stillness. .  From  a  great  distance  come  the 
words  of  the  challenge  "Samson  guard  us,"  scarcely 
audible  at  first.  Then  the  sound  grows  louder ^  still 
coming  from  unseen  sentries.  At  length  the  words 
"Samson  guard  us,"  loud  and  clear  from  the  next 
■post.  Our  two  sentries  take  up  the  challenge^  and  it 
is  heard  with  diminishing  loudness  as  it  passes  on  round 
the  wall.  Again  all  is  still.  The  two  sentries  stand 
silent  in  the  moonlight^  their  faces  shadowed  by  their 
helmet  s\ 

Second  Sentry 

Klnow  you  aught  o£  the  Chaldeans? 

First  Sentry 

I  know  that  they  are  our  enemies,  that  they  are 
attacking  our  homes. 

Second  Sentry 

I  am  not  thinking  about  that.  Have  you  ever  seen 
any  of  them  close  at  handj  do  you  know  their  customs 
and  their  country? 

First  Sentry 
I  have  been  told  that  they  are  cruel  as  wild  cats  and 
venomous  as  serpents.    It  is  said  that  they  sacrifice  their 
children  to  idols  of  copper  and  lead.    But  I  have  never 
set  eyes  on  a  Chaldean. 

Second  Sentry 
Nor  I.    Too  many  mountains  tower  skyward  between 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         iii 

Jerusalem  and  Babylon  j  there  are  rivers  to  cross,  and 
more  country  than  a  man  can  march  over  in  many  weeks. 
The  very  stars  in  the  sky  are  different,  and  yet  the  men 
of  Ashur  are  arrayed  against  us  and  we  against  them. 
What  do  they  covet  from  us?  If  I  were  to  question 
one  of  them,  all  he  could  tell  me  would  doubtless  be 
that  in  his  house  as  in  mine  are  wife  and  children  lying 
upon  straw.  I  believe  if  I  could  talk  things  over  with 
such  a  man  we  should  understand  one  another  well 
enough.  Often  I  feel  that  I  should  like  to  summon 
one  of  them,  to  hold  out  a  friendly  hand,  so  that  we 
could  have  a  heart  to  heart  talk. 

First  Sentry 
You  must  not  do  that. 

Second  Sentry 
Wherefore  not? 

First  Sentry 
They  are  our  enemies  and  it  is  our  duty  to  hate  them. 

Second  Sentry 

Why  should  I  hate  them  if  my  heart  knows  no  reason  A 
for  hatred? 

First  Sentry 
They  began  the  war;  they  were  the  aggressors. 

Second  Sentry 

Yes,  that  is  what  we  say  in  Jerusalem.    In  Babylon, 
perchance,  they  tell  another  story.     If  we  could  talk 


112  JEREMIAH 

things  over  with  them,  we  might  get  some  light  on  the 
question. 

First  Sentry  > 

You  must  not  talk  with  them.  Our  duty  is  to  strike 
them  down.     Such  are  our  orders,  and  we  must  obey. 

Second  Sentry 

My  reason  tells  me  that  I  must  not  converse  with 
them,  but  in  my  soul  I  feel  that  I  must.  Whom  do  we 
serve  by  compassing  their  death? 

First  Sentry 

What  a  question,  simpleton !  We  serve  God,  and  the 
king  our  master. 

Second  Sentry 

But  God  said,  and  it  is  written:  "Thou  shalt  not 
kill".  Mayhap,  if  I  were  to  take  my  sword  and  cast  it 
from  me,  I  should  serve  God  better  than  by  slaying  an 
enemy. 

First  Sentry 

But  it  is  likewise  written:  "Eye  for  eye,  tooth  for 
tooth". 

Second  Sentry 

[Sighs]  Many  things  are  written.  Who  can  under- 
stand them  all? 

First  Sentry 

This  is  idle  dreaming.  The  Chaldeans  have  invested 
our  town  J  they  wish  to  burn  our  houses  j  I  stand  here 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         113 

with  sword  and  spear,  and  will  do  my  utmost  to  pre- 
vent them.  Too  much  knowledge  is  unwholesome.  I 
know  all  I  want  to  know. 


Second  Sentry 
Yet  I  cannot  but  ask  myself  ... 

First  Sentry 

yStuhbornly^  You  should  not  ask  so  many  ques- 
tions. A  soldier's  business  is  to  fight,  not  to  reason  why. 
You  ponder  overmuch,  instead  of  doing  your  duty 
unquestioningly. 

Second  Sentry 

How  can  a  man  help  questioning  himself?  How 
can  he  be  other  than  uneasy,  at  such  an  hour?  Do  I 
know  where  I  am,  or  how  long  I  have  still  to  stand  on 
guard?  This  darkness  beneath  the  wall,  where  the 
masonry  is  crumbling,  will  perhaps  be  my  grave 
to-morrow.  Maybe  the  wind  which  now  caresses  my 
cheek  will  not  find  me  here  in  the  morning.  But  can 
I  fail,  while  I  live,  to  ask  the  meaning  of  life?  The 
flame  flickers  until  the  torch  goes  out.  How  can  life 
do  other  than  question  until  it  is  quenched  by  death? 
Maybe  death  is  already  within  mej  perchance  the  ques- 
tioner is  no  longer  life,  but  death. 

First  Sentry 

You  brood  and  brood.  You  are  only  tormenting 
yourself  to  no  purpose. 


114  JEREMIAH 

Second  Sentry 

God  has  given  us  a  heart  precisely  that  it  may  tor- 
ment us. 

First  Sentry 

What  is  the  use  of  talking  about  it?  We  are  on 
guard  here.    That's  enough  for  me. 

Second  Sentry 

Talking  helps  to  keep  us  awake,  and  only  the  stars 
hear  our  words. 

[Boih  are  again  silent  for  a  time] 

Second  Sentry 

Who  goes  there?  Someone  is  moving  in  the 
darkness. 

First  Sentry 

More  busybodies.  Why  cannot  they  stay  in  bed? 
Send  them  home. 

Second  Sentry 

No!     Let  them  talk  while  we  stay  in  the  shadow. 

First  Sentry 

You  are  a  strange  fellow.  I  shall  continue  my  round. 

[  The  two  sentries  fass  into  the  shadow  of  the  tower 
on  the  wally  their  figures  disappearing  in  the  darkness. 
The  gleam  of  their  spears  is  still  seen  from  time  to 
time. — ^Jeremiah  and  Baruch  ascend  out  of  the  dark- 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         115 

ness  of  the  stairway  and  advance  to  the  battlements, 
Jeremiah  hastening  on  in  fronts  while  Baruch,  who 
does  not  share  the  frofhet^s  excitement ^  lags  in  the  rear. 
The  second  sentry  stands  unnoticed  in  the  shadow  of 
the  tower] 

Baruch 
Whither  are  you  leading  me,  master? 

Jeremiah 

On,  on!  I  must  look  Terror  in  the  face.  [He 
gazes  down  into  the  valley ,  standing  rnotionless  and 
silent] 

Baruch 

What  are  you  staring  at? 

Jeremiah 

\Still  gazing]  The  king  has  come,  the  king  from 
the  north.  [He  seizes  Baruch's  sleeve]  Come  closer, 
Baruch!  Touch  my  hand  that  I  may  know  whether  I 
wake  or  sleep.  Are  my  eyes  open?  Is  this  wall  builded 
of  stones  or  of  tears?  Does  Jerusalem  lie  behind  us 
unheeding  in  the  darkness?  Are  the  forces  of  Ashur 
couched  in  the  plain  beneath?  Tell  me,  Baruch,  con- 
vince me  that  I  am  dreaming.  Shake  me  till  I  awake, 
to  laugh  at  my  mad  fancy  that  Zion  is  encircled  by  the 
Chaldeans. 

Baruch 

What  do  you  mean,  master?  I  don't  understand. 
How  can  you  doubt? 


ii6  JEREMIAH 

Jeremiah 

Alas,  it  is  true,  then.  I  am  not  dreaming  now.  The 
horses  are  there  and  the  chariots  3  Ashur  is  arrayed 
against  Zionj  the  vision  is  fulfilled.  All  these  miseries 
spring  from  my  dreams,  for  they  existed  in  me  before 
they  were  in  the  world  of  reality.  I  alone  knew,  before 
ever  God's  words  became  deeds.  In  me  they  arose  j 
through  me  they  came.  Yet  naught  can  I  do  to  hinder 
their  flowj  nor  by  sword  nor  by  shield  can  I  stay  their 
progress. 

Baruch 

Master,  you  talk  at  random.  Speak  in  words  that 
I  can  believe  and  understand. 

Jeremiah 

Words  that  you  can  believe?  But  Baruch  will  you 
believe  the  words  that  I  have  to  say  to  you  at  this  hour 
beneath  the  stars?  I  fear  you  will  deny  me,  will  laugh 
at  me,  for  what  I  would  fain  say  will  sound  like  non- 
sense in  your  ears. 

Baruch 

Faith  in  you  is  my  very  life. 

Jeremiah 

Hearken,  then.  \He  sfeaks  low  and  impressively] 
All  that  is  now  happening,  I  have  beheld  in  my  dreams 
for  months  past.  Not  a  star  shines  in  heaven  which  I 
have  not  seen  above  this  wall  and  above  God's  temple. 
I  have  looked  down  upon  the  multitude  of  the  foe, 
upon  their  myriad  tents.    Baruch,  do  you  hear  me? 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         117 

Baruch 
[Shuddering]     I  hear,  I  hear. 

Jeremiah 

Why  was  all  this  made  plain  to  me  before  the  day? 
It  cannot  be  against  God's  will  that  he  should  disclose 
his  plans  to  me,  should  vouchsafe  me  visions  of  the 
future.  Nor  can  I  rebel  j  nor  can  I  be  silent  j  though 
in  truth  for  long  I  refused  the  summons,  and  stopped 
my  ears  to  the  call.  But  now,  when  I  see  in  the  real 
world  what  has  again  and  again  been  revealed  to  me 
in  dreams,  for  the  first  time  do  I  feel  assured  that  God 
speaks  through  me.  I  say  to  you,  Baruch,  that  I  am 
the  chosen  of  the  Lord.  Woe  unto  me  should  I  conceal 
my  forebodings  from  the  people  and  from  the  king. 
For  this  is  no  more  than  the  beginning,  and  I  know 
the  end. 

Baruch 
Reveal  it,  chosen  one.    Cry  your  words  aloud. 

Jeremiah 

Baruch,  do  you  see  the  camp  and  the  tents j  do  you 
see  this  sleeping  ocean  surging  down  from  the  north? 

Baruch 
[Shuddering]     I  see  the  enemy j  I  see  the  tents. 

Jeremiah 

You  see  the  night,  sleep,  and  the  false  quiet  of 
repose.    But  in  my  ears  the  trumpets  blare  and  the  arms 


ii8 


JEREMIAH 


clash  as  the  Chaldeans  arise  and  storm  the  city.  The 
walls  whereon  our  feet  are  now  planted,  crumble  at 
their  onslaught  j  the  cries  of  the  fugitives  ring  in  my 
ears.  The  brazen  flood  foams  over  us.  I  hear  the 
beating  of  Death's  wings  o'er  city  and  walls  j  I  see  the 
destruction  of  Zion.  Baruch,  waking  I  see  it,  for  God 
hath  opened  an  eye  within  the  darkness  of  my  bodyj 
my  heart  maketh  a  noise  in  mej  my  soul  hath  heard  the 
sound  of  the  trumpet,  the  alarm  of  war.  Why  sleep 
they  still?  Time  is  it  they  should  wake,  ere  their  sleep 
pass  into  death.  Verily  the  hour  is  come  to  awaken 
Jerusalem! 

Baruch 

[Stirred  by  his  words]     Yea,  yea,  Jeremiah,  awaken 
Jerusalem! 

Jeremiah 

[More  and  more  carried  away] 
O  foolish  people,  afflicted  town, 
How,  ah  how,  can  you  sleep  at  peace 
When  Death's  cold  winding  sheet  is  spread 
Beneath  you  where  you  lie. 
O  foolish  people,  afflicted  town. 
How  can  you  rest  when  thunder  rages? 
How  can  you  drowse. 
Lost  in  dreams. 
When  Ashur's  rams 
Are  battering  the  gates? 

Who  shall  waken  the  fools?     Who  make  the  deaf 
hear? 

Baruch 

[Ecstatically]     You,  master.     Cry  aloud.     Awaken 
them.    Save  them  from  the  jaws  of  death. 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         119 

Jeremiah 

Awaken,  awaken,  up  and  away! 

The  land  is  afire,  the  foe  holds  the  town!] 

Flee  ere  his  wrath  wholly  consume  you, 

Flee  from  the  sword,  flee  from  the  flames, 

Leave  your  possessions,  abandon  your  homes. 

Gather  your  households,  your  women  and  children  j 

Ere. he  can  seize  you  take  refuge  in  flight. 

Up  and  away! 

The  land  is  afire,  the  foe  holds  the  town! 

Up  and  away! 

Second  Sentry 

[Coming  forward  from  the  shadows]     Who  shouts 
here?     You  will  waken  the  sleepers. 

Jeremiah 

Oh  that  I  could  awaken  them.     Up,  Jerusalem, 
awake!     City  of  God,  save  thyself. 

Second  Sentry 
You  are  drunk.     Go  home  to  sleep. 

Baruch 
[Staffing  between]     Touch  him  not. 

Jeremiah 

I  must  not  sleep.     No  one  must  sleep.     I  am  the 
watchman.    Woe  to  him  who  hinders  me. 


120  JEREMIAH 

Second  Sentry 

[Taking  him  hy  the  shoulder\  You  must  be  moon- 
struck to  think  yourself  watchman.  I  am  the  watch- 
man.   Away  with  you. 

Baruch 

Touch  him  not,  the  chosen  of  the  Lord,  the  prophet. 

Second  Sentry 

['Loosing  Jeremiah]  Are  you  Hananlah,  the 
prophet  of  God? 

Baruch 
It  is  Jeremiah  the  prophet. 

Second  Sentry 

Jeremiah,  who  leads  the  people  astray?  Jeremiah 
who  cried  through  the  street  that  Ashur  would  prevail? 
Have  you  come  hither  to  gloat  over  the  fulfilment  of 
your  vision?  Too  soon,  faint-heart,  too  soonj  and  yet 
in  an  apt  moment,  prophet  of  evil,  to  feel  the  weight 
of  my  anger.    I  will  reveal  you  something. 

Baruch 

[Struggling  with  the  sentry]  Hands  off,  touch  him 
not. 

First  Sentry 

[Entering  hurriedly]  The  king  is  coming.  Zede- 
kiah  goes  the  rounds.    Clear  away  the  people. 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         121. 

Jeremiah 

The  king!  God  be  praised!  His  meaning  is  plain. 
The  Lord  sends  him  to  my  hand. 

First  Sentry 
Away  chatterer,  away. 

Second  Sentry 

Down  with  you.  Away.  Creep  down  there  and 
keep  quiet,  or  you  shall  rue  it. 

First  Sentry 

Here  comes  the  king. 

[Jeremiah  and  Baruch  are  hustled  from  the  wall 
and  disappear  into  the  dark.  The  two  sentries  stand 
at  the  extreme  edge  of  the  ramparts  to  leave  room,  for 
the  king  and  his  train  to  pass.  When  Zedekiah  enters 
they  clash  spears  on  shields  in  salute  and  then  stand  to 
attention.  Zedekiah  is  making  the  rounds^  accom- 
panied by  Abimelech  and  others.  He  is  unarmed 
and  bareheaded ;  his  face  looks  pale  and  thoughtful  in 
the  m>oonlight.  He  halts y  and  gazes  for  a  time  over 
the  plain] 

Zedekiah 

See  how  the  camp  fires  burn  athwart  the  plain.  Tt 
looks  as  if  the  black  heavens  had  fallen  upon  earth, 
whence  star  after  star  now  shines  forth.,  A  people 
countless  in  numbers  is  encamped  round  Israel.  Spears 
are  leveled j  hands  are  raised;  even  in  sleep,  their 
dreams  turn  against  us.    To-morrow  they  will  all  arise 


122  JEREMIAH 

as  the  herbage  rises  after  rairij  stillness  will  be  replaced 
by  the  screams  of  death.  This  is  perchance  the  last 
night  of  peaceful  slumber. 

Abimelech 

Be  not  despondent,  O  king.  Upon  this  very  wall 
where  now  thou  standest  sorely  troubled,  stood  afore- 
time King  Hezekiah.  His  mind,  likewise,  was  full  of 
care,  for  in  the  plain  beneath,  wave  upon  wave,  count- 
less like  these,  lay  the  hosts  of  Senaccherib.  Then, 
as  now,  the  flood  of  Ashur  threatened  the  holy  city. 
But  the  Lord  stretched  forth  his  hand  and  smote  the 
enemy  with  a  pestilence.  These  walls  shall  never  be 
broken.    Jerusalem  endureth  for  ever 

The  Others 
Jerusalem  endureth  for  ever. 

The  Voice  of  Jeremiah 

[From  the  darkness\  Awaken,  doomed  city,  that 
thou  mayest  save  thyself.  Awaken  from  your  heavy 
slumbers,  heedless  ones,  lest  you  be  slain  in  sleep; 
awaken,  for  the  walls  are  crumbling,  and  will  crush 
you  J  awaken,  for  Ashur's  sword  is  brandished  over 
your  heads. 

Zedekiah 

\0n  the  alert\     Who  speaks?     Who  speaks?, 

Voices 
Who  speaks? 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         123 

The  Voice  of  Jeremiah 

The  anger  of  the  Lord  hath  fallen  upon  the  dis- 
turbers of  the  peace.  God  hath  sent  the  king  of  the 
north  against  Israel,  to  break  her  towers,  and  her  pride. 
Awaken  that  ye  may  fleej  awaken  that  ye  may  save 
yourselves  J  for  he  has  come,  the  slayer  of  your  sons, 
the  ravisher  of  your  daughters,  he  who  will  lay  your 
fields  waste.    Awaken,  awaken! 

Zedekiah 

[Shrinking  with  alarm,  and  then  recovering  him- 
self \     Who  speaks? 

First  Sentry 

A  madman,  Lord  3  he  is  moonstruck. 

Voices 
Close  his  mouth. — Away  with  him. — He  is  mad. 

Zedekiah 

Nay,  bring  him  hither.  I  wish  to  see  him.  I  wish 
to  see  that  he  who  spoke  was  a  living  man.  Terrible 
was  the  sound  of  his  voice.  It  seemed  to  me  as  if  the 
stones  of  Jerusalem  were  uttering  lamentations,  as  if 
the  words  issued  from  the  very  walls. 

[The  two  sentries  hasten  away  into  the  darkness^ 

Abimelech 

Suffer  not  thyself  to  be  misled,  Lord.  Many  in  the 
city  have  been  bought  with  Chaldean  gold. 


124  JEREMIAH 

Others 

Heed  him  not. — Hurl  him  from  the  wall. — Hold  no 
converse  with  a  coward. 

[Jeremiah  and  Baruch  are  brought  into  the  light 
by  the  sentries y  and  Jeremiah  Is  thrust  forward  to  the 
king] 

Second  Sentry 

This  is  he  who  spoke  the  words  of  shame.  He  was 
railing  in  like  fashion,  Lord,  just  before  thou  camest. 

Zedekiah  • 

There  has  been  talk  of  one  going  up  and  down  the 
city  and  foretelling  disaster  to  the  people.  Is  this  the 
man? 

Voices 

It  is  he. — Jeremiah. — Curses  light  on  him. — He 
foretells  disaster. — Poisons  men's  hearts. — Bears  false 
witness. 

Baruch 

Nay,  he  is  God's  messenger  and  utters  words  of 
truth.     I  testify  for  him. 

Voices 

Who  are  you  to  testify? — You  are  no  more  than  a 
boy. — Heed  him  not. — Such  vipers  should  be  crushed. 

Zedekiah 

Silence.  Take  the  young  man  away,  for  I  need  no 
testimony. 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         125 

[Baruch  is  pushed  back  into  the  shadows] 

Draw  nearer,  Jeremiah.  Art  thou  he  who  leadest 
Israel  astray? 

Jeremiah 

Israel  is  verily  astray,  but  not  by  my  leadership. 

Zedekiah 

I  know  thy  voice.  My  heart  tells  me  that  I  have 
heard  thee  speak,  but  never  before  have  I  seen  thy  face. 
Was  it  thou  who  criedst  aloud  for  peace  at  the  portal  of 
the  palace? 

Jeremiah 

Yea,  Lord,  it  was  I. 

Zedekiah 

Many  voices  assailed  my  ears  in  that  hour,  but  when 
I  had  returned  home  at  nightfall  and  lay  sleepless  on 
my  couch,  it  was  thy  call  which  dinned  in  my  ears. 

Jeremiah 

God*s  will  was  that  thou  shouldst  hearken.  Woe  unto 
thee  that  thou  heardest  not.  Had  it  been  otherwise 
there  would  be  sleep  on  thy  lids  and  peace  in  Israel. 

Abimelech 

[7^0  Jeremiah]  What  make  you  here  on  the  wall 
at  night?  Would  you  go  over  to  the  Chaldeans?  [To 
the  king]  Have  him  seized,  for  his  behavior  is  sus- 
picious. 


126  JEREMIAH 

A  Voice 

His  mother  is  on  her  deathbed,  for  his  words  have 
broken  her  heart.  But  he  shuns  the  house,  comes  here 
by  night,  and  would  parley  with  the  enemy. 

Jeremiah 
[In  alarm]     My  mother  is  dying? 

Voices 

He  is  a  traitor. — Heed  him  not. — Cast  him  into 
prison. 

Zedekiah 

Be  silent,  all.  My  soul  is  not  so  weak  that  I  can  be 
swayed  by  the  words  of  chatterers.  Fear  not,  Jeremiah, 
I  heard  thy  voice  on  the  day  when  we  decided  upon 
war.  It  resounded  in  my  heart,  for  a  word  of  peace 
is  the  word  of  God.  But  the  past  is  past.  War  now 
rages  between  Ashur  and  Israel.  Words  no  longer 
avail.    I  cannot  stop  the  war  at  will. 

Jeremiah 
Nay,  Lord,  but  thou  canst. 

Zedekiah 

[Wrath fully]  How,  tell  me  how?  Dost  thou  not 
see  the  foe  encompassing  the  walls?  Dost  thou  not 
hear  the  spears  clashing?  What  can  I  do  to  stop  the 
war? 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         127 

Jeremiah 
The  issue  is  in  thy  hands,  for  thou  art  the  king. 

Zedekiah 
It  is  too  late  to  talk  of  peace. 

Jeremiah 
It  is  never  too  late  to  talk  of  peace. 

Zedekiah 

\S,t'ill  more  angrily]  Thy  words  are  the  words  of 
folly. 

Jeremiah 

The  shedding  of  blood  digs  a  trench  between  the 
nations.  The  more  deeply  we  dig  it,  the  harder  to  stop 
the  bloodshed.  Therefore  let  words  go  before  the 
sword.  Seek  audience  of  Nebuchadnezzar^  send  him 
an  envoy. 

Zedekiah 
I  seek  Nebuchadnezzar,  my  foe? 

Jeremiah 

Send  envoys,  while  there  is  yet  time  to  save 
Jerusalem. 

Zedekiah 

Why  should  I  be  the  one  to  propose  a  parley? 


128  JEREMIAH 

Jeremiah 

Blessed  is  he  who  first  holds  out  his  hand  for  peace. 
Blessed  is  the  king  who  spares  the  blood  of  his  people. 

Zedekiah 

What  if  I  were  to  offer  my  hand,  only  to  find  the 
offer  rejected? 

Jeremiah 

Blessed  are  they  who  are  rejected  for  justice'  sake, 
for  they  are  men  after  God's  heart. 

Zedekiah 

I  tell  thee  that  the  very  children  would  mock  me, 
and  the  women  would  laugh  at  me  in  my  shame. 

Jeremiah 

Better  to  be  followed  by  the  laughter  of  fools  than 
by  the  tears  of  widows.  Think  not  of  thyself  j  but  of 
the  people,  which  God  hath  appointed  thee  to  lead. 
Do  God's  will,  though  fools  laugh.  Thou  hast  raised 
thy  head  against  Ashur.  Humble  thyself  now  before 
him. 

Zedekiah 
Humble  myself? 

Jeremiah 

Humble  thyself,  anointed  of  the  Lord,  for  the  sake 
of  Jerusalem.  Open  the  gates,  open  thy  heart,  thus 
only  canst  thou  save  the  city. 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         129 

Zedekiah 

With  the  sword  will  I  save  Jerusalem,  at  the  hazard 
of  my  life,  but  not  of  my  honor.  Thou  knowest  not 
what  thou  askest. 

Jeremiah 

Of  tfiee  I  demand  the  hardest  of  duties,  as  is  befitting 
for  the  Lord's  anointed.  OfFer  up  thy  pride,  the  treas- 
ure of  thy  heart,  for  the  sake  of  Jerusalem.  Kneel 
before  Nebuchadnezzar,  even  as  I  kneel  before  thee. 
Open  the  gates,  and  open  thy  heart.  Abase  thyself, 
King  Zedekiah,  for  it  is  better  thou  shouldst  be  abased 
than  that  Israel  should  be  laid  low. 

Zedekiah 

Away  with  thee,  away!  I  will  humble  myself  before 
no  man  on  earth. 

Jeremiah 

[Springing  impetuously  to  his  feet]  Accurst,  then, 
be  the  oil  with  which  thou  v/ast  anointed.  Zion  has 
been  entrusted  to  thy  hands,  and  by  thy  hands  is  Zion 
destroyed.  Mayst  thou  be  forgotten  by  God's  mercy, 
even  as  thou  hast  forgotten  Jerusalem.  A  curse  be 
upon  thee,  murderer  of  Zion. 

Abimelech 
Throw  him  from  the  wall! 

Voices 

He  has  slandered  the  king. — ^Throw  him  from  the 
wall. 


130  JEREMIAH 

\The  members  of  the  king's  train  close  in  on 
Jeremiah] 

Zedekiah 

[  Who  has  yielded  ground  as  if  attacked  by  an  unseen 
enemy y  recovering  himself  \  Desist!  Harm  him  not. 
Think  ye  that  the  curse  o£  a  fool  can  affright  me,  or 
an  impudent  word  unman  me?  \A  pause]  Never- 
theless, the  rumor  is  true,  and  this  man's  speech  is  full 
of  danger.  Like  a  ram  do  his  words  batter  at  men's 
hearts.  No  longer  must  such  a  liar  speak  freely  to  the 
people,  endeavoring  to  spread  dismay  among  our 
warriors. 

Abimelech 

He  should  be  put  to  death.  Unworthy  to  live  is  the 
man  who  has  lost  faith  in  God. 

Voices 

Stone  the  hireling. — He  would  sell  the  town  to  the 
Chaldeans. — He  prays  for  our  defeat. — Slay  him. 

Zedekiah 

Shall  I  kill  the  man  who  slandered  me,  that  it  may 
be  said  he  filled  me  with  fear?  Jeremiah,  I  value 
thy  words  lightly  as  airj  but  once  more,  for  thine  own 
sake,  I  ask  thee  the  question.  Does  thy  heart  faith- 
fully assure  thee  that  death  hangs  over  Zion  and  over 
all  within  her  walls?     Speak  freely. 

Jeremiah 

Death  is  over  Jerusalem.  Death's  hand  is  upon  us 
all.     Naught  but  surrender  can  save  us. 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         131 

Zedekiah 

Away  then,  and  surrender.  Save  thine  own  life. 
[Jeremiah  stares  at  him  in  hewilderment\ 
No  man  shall  sap  our  powers  while  he  eats  our  bread. 
If  thou  fearest  for  Zion,  flee  from  Zion.  I  give  thee 
thy  life.  Climb  down  the  wallj  seek  out  Nebuchad- 
nezzarj  take  shelter  in  his  camp.  If  thy  word  be  ful- 
filled, puff  out  thy  cheeks  and  laugh  at  thy  brethren 
who  died  for  Jerusalem. 

Abimelech 

Too  gentle,  O  king,  in  thy  dealings  with  this 
slanderer. 

[Jeremiah  struggles  for  speechi 

Zedekiah 

Away,  renegade,  away!  Seek  out  Nebuchadnezzar, 
whose  victory  thou  foretellest.  Kiss  his  feet.  I  stay 
in  the  midst  of  my  people  and  in  the  home  of  my 
fathers,  for  my  faith  shall  remain  steadfast  till  my  last 
breath.  False  are  this  man's  words!  Jerusalem 
endureth  for  ever! 

The  Others 

[Shouting^  Jerusalem  endureth  for  ever. — God's 
house  shall  never  pass  away. 

Zedekiah 

Haste,  haste  to  Ashur.  I  give  thee  free  permission. 
Leave  us  to  our  deaths  j  and  for  thy  part,  crawl  to 
safety. 


132  JEREMIAH 

Jeremiah 
[Controlling  himself  \    I  will  not  forsake  Jerusalem. 

Zedekiah 

Didst  thou  not  even  now  assure  us  that  death  was 
hanging  over  Zion?  Flee,  that  thou  at  least  save  thy- 
self alive. 

Jeremiah 

Not  for  my  own  life  am  I  filled  with  sorrow.  It 
is  for  the  life  of  thousands  upon  thousands  that  my 
heart  is  heavy.  I  will  not  flee.  If  Zion's  walls  fall,  I 
will  fall  with  them. 

Zedekiah 

I  have  warned  thee,  Jeremiah,  as  thou  warnedst  me. 
Henceforth  thy  life  is  in  thine  own  charge.  [To  the 
others]  Let  none  molest  him  while  he  keeps  due 
measure.  But  should  he  again  seek  to  spread  terror, 
seize  and  bind  him,  and  he  shall  pay  for  it  with  his 
life.  [To  Jeremiah]  Guard  thyself,  place  a  seal  on 
thy  lips,  lest  thy  life  atone  for  speech.  May  God 
spare  us,  as  I  have  spared  thee  to-day.    , 

Jeremiah 

[Motionless,  his  voice  unsteady]     Not  myself  would 
I  guard,  but  Jerusalem. 

Zedekiah 

[Returning  to  the  outer  edge  of  the  ii)all]     Still 
they  come!      Still  they  come!      The   noise   of  their 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         133 

chariot  wheels  and  the  trampling  of  their  chargers  are 
like  the  growling  of  a  storm.  Terrible  indeed  is  the 
king  of  the  north.  Dreadful  will  it  be  to  encounter 
him.  God  save  Jerusalem!  [Breathes  deeply]  God 
save  Jerusalem. 

[Zekediah  turns  away^  and  slowly  resumes  the 
roundy  flunged  in  thought.  He  is  followed  by 
Abimelech  and  the  other  members  of  the  train.  The 
two  sentries  move  after  them  out  of  sight] 

Baruch 

[Rushing  forward  from^  the  shadow]  Quick,  quick! 
Hasten  after  him.  The  spirit  of  God  is  upon  you. 
Hasten  that  you  may  compel  him. 

Jeremiah 
[Awakening  as  from  a  trance]     Compel  whom? 

Baruch 

The  king.  Let  your  words  be  like  flame.  Save 
Jerusalem. 

Jeremiah 

The  king?  [He  looks  round  horror-stricken  upon 
the  deserted  wall]  Lost,  lost  the  sacred  hour.  My 
hasty  tongue  has  ruined  all. 

Baruch 

Try  once  again  and  you  will  overcome  him.  Already 
he  was  yielding. 


134  JEREMIAH 

Jeremiah 

Too  late,  too  late.  Why  did  God  choose  a  weakling? 
Why  did  he  put  words  of  gall  into  my  mouth? 

Baruch 

Do  not  torment  yourself,  master.  Your  sufferings 
confuse  your  mind. 

Jeremiah 

Think  you  so?  But  I  have  failed.  To  whom  have 
I  brought  joy?  I  am  a  horror  to  the  upright  and  a 
grievous  affliction  to  my  mother.  No  wife  bears  my 
child  in  her  womb,  nor  does  any  one  living  believe  in 
my  words. 

Baruch 

I  believe  you.  I  will  not  forsake  you.  You  are 
great.    I  cleave  to  you  for  your  very  sorrow. 


Jeremiah 

Praise  me  not.  My  soul  burns  with  shame.  What 
have  I  done  that  shall  profit  Jerusalem?  Have  I 
softened  the  king's  heart  j  have  I  led  the  erring  people 
into  the  right  pathj  have  I  found  an  envoy  of  peace? 
How,  when  I  myself  have  faltered,  shall  I  show  the 
way  for  an  envoy? 

Baruch 

You  seek  an  envoy  from  Nebuchadnezzar  to  our 
king? 


# 


WATCH  ON  THE  RAMPARTS         135 

Jeremiah 

Will  Nebuchadnezzar  be  readier  to  parley  than  Zede- 
kiah?  Kings  are  like  boys,  each  waiting  for  the  other 
to  begin. 

Baruch 

[Ardently]  Jeremiah,  your  words  bear  fruit  in  my 
soul. 

Jeremiah 
What  mean  you? 

Baruch 

This  deed  is  for  me.  Well  know  I  that  the  road 
leads  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow,  even  as  yours. 
But  I  will  walk  it  for  the  sake  of  Jerusalem.  Master, 
farewell. 

Jeremiah 

Whither  will  you  go? 

Baruch 

Farewell,  master.  Your  blessing  should  I  succeed. 
Spare  me  your  curse  should  I  fail.  For  Jerusalem! 
[He  begins  to  climb  down  the  wall] 

Jeremiah 
But  Baruch,  whither  are  you  going? 

Baruch 

By  your  road.  Farewell.  [He  disappears  over  the 
para-pet] 


136  JEREMIAH 

Jeremiah 

[Leaning  forward]  Whither,  Baruch,  whither? 
Stay,  they  will  seize  you.  Already  the  spies  of  Chaldea 
block  every  road.  Baruch,  stand  by  me  in  this  hour. 
Baruch,  Baruch! 

First  Sentry 

[Running  in]  Who  calls  there  in  the  night?  What 
is  afoot? 

Jeremiah 

[Standing  up]     I  call,  I  callj  but  no  one  heeds  me. 

First  Sentry 

Still  you,  is  it?  What  are  you  doing  here?  I 
thought  I  saw  a  shadow  pass  down  the  wall.  Are  you 
alone? 

Jeremiah 

I  am  alone!     I  am  alone! 

[Slowly,  with  heavy  steps,  Jeremiah  passes  towards 
the  town.  The  sentry  stares  after  him  until  he  is  swal- 
lowed up  in  the  gloojn.  Then  the  soldier  resumes 
his  march  to  and  fro  in  the  moonlight.  Nothing  is 
heard  save  his  footsteps  on  the  flagstones,  until  from  a 
distance  the  challenge:  "Samson  guard  us",  "Samson 
guard  us",  begins  to  pass  once  more  round  the  walls] 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL 


SCENE  FIVE 

Yet  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  him;  he  hath  put 
him  to  grief,    Isaiah  LIII,  10. 


SCENE  FIVE 

The  small  bed-chamber  where  Jeremiah's  Mother 
lies  ill.  Doorways  and  windows  are  covered  with  cur- 
tains to  exclude  light  and  sound.  The  interior  is  so 
dark  that  the  figures  of  those  in  the  chamber  are  barely 
visible.  The  white  bed-furniture  is  conspicuous  in  the 
gloom.  Close  to  the  bed  stands  Ahab,  the  elderly 
servingman. 

JOCHEBED 

[A  female  relative^  coming  from  without^  cautiously 
draws  aside  the  curtain  over  the  doorway]  Ahab! 

Ahab 

Speak  low!  Tread  softly!  Her  sleep  is  light  as 
thistle-down.     A  breath  will  scatter  it. 

Jochebed 

Well  for  one  who  can  still  sleep,  when  the  gates  of 
the  city  are  being  assailed. 

Ahab 

Not  a  word  of  the  matter.  Not  a  word  of  the 
enemy.     As  you  love  her,  spare  her. 

Jochebed 

What  do  you  mean?      What  must  I  not  speak  of? 

141 


142  JEREMIAH 

Ahab 

Not  a  word  of  our  troubles.  She  knows  naught  of 
Jerusalem's  evil  plight. 

JOCHEBED 

I  don't  understand.  She  does  not  know  that  the 
town  is  besieged? 

Ahab 

Why  should  we  tell  her  what  is  impending?  The 
very  thought  would  kill  her. 

Jochebed 

[Greatly  astonished]  She  does  not  know  that  Ashur 
is  upon  us?  Is  there  still  a  living  being  within  the 
walls  who  remains  ignorant  of  our  misery?  How  has 
this  miracle  been  wrought?  Are  her  senses  closed? 
Is  she  deaf  to  the  hosannas?  Does  she  think  we  are  at 
peace  when  the  battering  rams  thunder  against  the 
walls? 

Ahab 

Her  senses  are  dulled.  Such  noises  as  she  hears 
seem  the  noises  of  a  dream.  I  have  closed  the  entries, 
shutting  out  sound  and  light. 

Jochebed 

She  knows  nothing?  Wonderful,  and  yet  horrible. 
Has  she  no  suspicion? 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  143 

Ahab 

At  times  she  has  suspected,  but  I  have  been  able  to 
calm  her  fears.  Yesterday,  when  the  first  rams  were 
at  work,  she  was  alarmed  by  the  cries  of  the  populace. 
Throwing  off  the  coverlet,  she  wrung  her  hands,  and 
declared  she  must  forth  to  the  walls,  that  war  had 
come,  that  the  enemy  was  in  the  city,  that  Zion  was 
perishing.  Her  son's  prophecy  was  being  fulfilled, 
the  king  of  the  north  had  come.  She  struggled  to  her 
feet.  Then  her  knees  gave  way  beneath  her.  I  caught 
her  as  she  fell,  bore  her  back  to  bed,  and  persuaded 
her  that  it  was  all  a  dream,  that  the  shouting  and  the 
hosannas  were  but  the  illusion  of  fever.  She  seemed 
to  believe  me,  lying  with  open  eyes,  and  listening  to 
the  muffled  clamor  from  the  street. 

JOCHEBED 

'Tis  wondrous  strange.  But  what  has  thus  confused 
her? 

Ahab 
In  her  sickness  she  craves  for  her  son. 

JoCHEBED 

Jeremiah,  the  madman!  The  zealot  of  the  streets. 
She  herself  drove  him  from  the  house. 

Ahab 

Not  for  an  hour  since  has  she  known  happiness.  She 
sat  ever  in  silence,  or  stood  at  the  door  like  one  await- 
ing a  guest.  When  he  failed  to  return,  her  mind 
gradually  became  confused. 


144  JEREMIAH 

JOCHEBED 

Why  then  comes  he  not,  the  reprobate,  that  he  may 
restore  her  to  health?  He  tramps  the  streets  spewing 
curses  among  the  people,  while  his  mother  is  dying  for 
lack  of  him.  Why  comes  he  not,  chatterer  in  the 
market,  slayer  of  peace? 

Ahab 

He  knows  naught  of  her  longing.  No  less  proud 
is  he  than  she,  and  he  will  never  cross  the  threshold 
until  he  is  summoned. 

JoCHEBED 

Summon  him  then. 

Ahab 

How  dare  I  without  her  command?  I  am  but  a 
servingman.  How  can  I  act  upon  words  which  she 
mutters  unwitting? 

JoCHEBED 

You  may  and  you  must,  since  her  life  is  at  stake. 

Ahab 

Do  you  believe  I  should  do  rightly  to  summon 
Jeremiah  without  awaiting  her  command? 

JoCHEBED 

By  God's  mercy  I  believe  it.  Thus  will  you  save 
her  alive. 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  145 

Ahab 

God  be  praised,  Jochebed.  In  my  sore  need  I  have 
already  done  what  you  wish. 

Jochebed 
A  blessing  on  you  therefor! 

Ahab 
I  have  sent  my  boys  seeking  him. 

Jochebed 

If  they  can  but  find  him.  Lacking  him,  she  will  die 
of  mingled  pride  and  longing. 

Ahab 
Truly,  since  she  drove   him  forth,  she  has  been 
unceasingly  at  war  with  herself. 

Jochebed 
Who  is  at  peace  in  this  stormy  time? 
[The  mother  wakens  with  a  5igh\ 

Jochebed 

y^'peaklng  softly  to  Ahab]  Ahab,  she  stirs,  she  is 
waking.  Her  eyes  are  still  closed,  but  her  lips  move 
as  if  to  speak. 

[Ahab  bends  over  the  sick  woman] 


146  JEREMIAH 

The  Mother 

\Speaks  with  closed  eyeSy  the  tones  of  her  voice  like 
those  of  a  song  heard  in  the  distance^  Has  he  come? 
Is  he  here?      Where  is  he,  the  son  of  my  sorrow? 

JOCHEBED 

[Whispering^  How  wonderful!  For  the  first  time 
she  speaks  of  him  plainly. 

Ahab 
Nay,  she  is  still  dreaming. 

The  Mother 

[Moves  and  opens  her  eyes]  Are  you  there,  Ahab? 
Is  that  you  Jochebed?  My  dreams  are  dark  and 
uneasy. 

Ahab 

[Tenderly]  How  do  you  feel?  Have  you  slept 
well? 

The  Mother 

How  can  I  sleep  well,  when  my  dreams  are  so 
dreadful?  Where  is  he?  I  saw  him.  Why  did  he 
go  away? 

Ahab 
Whom  do  you  mean? 

The  Mother 
Why  did  he  go  away?      Why  did  you  let  him  go 
away? 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  147 

Ahab 

There  has  been  no  one  in  the  room  but  Jochebed 
and  me. 

The  Mother 

Not  he?  Not  he?  The  house  is  haunted  with 
dreams.  [She  sits  up  suddenly  in  bedy  glancing  round 
with  feverish  anxiety^  Why  do  you  not  summon  him? 

Ahab 
Summon  whom? 

The  Mother 

How  can  you  ask?  Can  you  not  see  that  death's 
hand  is  upon  me?      Yet  you  will  not  send  for  him. 

Ahab 
How  should  I  dare  .    .   . 

The  Mother 

Alas,  that  I  should  be  immured  here,  too  ill  to  move, 
tended  by  blind  servants  with  hearts  of  stone.  Away, 
away. 

Ahab 
But  mistress  ... 

The  Mother' 

You  have  betrayed  me.  You  have  forbidden  him 
the  house.      I  know  he  must  have  come,  and  you  have 


148  JEREMIAH 

barred  the  door.      He  has  been  here.      My  instinct 

tells  me.  He  waits  but  the  summons,  and  you  will 

not  send.  You  have  denied  him  entry. 


Ahab 
Hearken,  mistress  .   .   . 

The  Mother 

Woe  is  me!  Away!  May  you  die  as  I  am  dying, 
abandoned  by  your  children  j  may  you  die  in  the  straw 
like  an  outcast. 

Ahab 
Let  me  say  a  word  ... 

The  Mother 

One  word  only  will  I  listen  to,  that  he  Is  coming, 
that  he  is  here. 

Ahab 

That  is  what  I  would  fain  tell  you.  He  is  coming. 
His  footsteps  draw  nigh. 

The  Mother 

[Rapturously]  He  is  com.ing,  my  Jeremiah?      De- 
ceive me  not,  Ahab.    Cheat  not  a  dying  woman. 

JOCHEBED 

Ahab  has  already  sent  his  sons  to  seek  out  Jeremiah. 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  149 

The  Mother 

He  is  coming.  Is  it  true?  Yes,  I  hear  him.  I 
hear  his  footfall.  I  hear  him  in  the  house.  He  knocks 
at  the  door,  knocks  within  my  heart.  Hasten,  man, 
hasten.      Why  do  you  tarry  to  admit  him? 

Ahab 

[Endeavoring  to  calm  her]  Mistress,  he  will  be  here 
anon.      Early  this  morning  did  I  send  my  boys. 

The  Mother 

[In  excitement  once  more]  Nay,  he  will  not  come. 
Your  lads  are  slothful,  and  are  idling  in  the  streets. 
Would  they  but  hasten.  The  darkness  gains  on  me. 
If  I  could  but  see  him  ere  I  sink  into  it.  Run,  Ahab, 
he  may  be  at  the  door. 

Ahab 

Have  patience,  you  will  do  yourself  a  harm. 

The  Mother 

Why  do  you  not  let  him  in?  Can  you  not  hear  how 
he  is  hammering  at  the  door?  I  feel  it  in  my  temples. 
Open  to  him,  open. 

Ahab 

Not  yet  is  he  here,  but  he  will  come  ere  long. 

JOCHEBED 

He  will  soon  be  here.      Have  patience  a  while. 


150  JEREMIAH 

The  Mother 

No,  no  J  he  is  there,  but  you  are  keeping  him  from 
me.      My  time  is  short.      My  limbs  are  cold   .    .    . 

[Jeremiah  comes  quietly  into  the  doorway^  and 
remains  standing  in  doubty  his  hands  clenched^  his  head 
bowed  as  if  he  were  carrying  a  heavy  burden\ 

Ahab 

Don't  throw  yourself  about  so.  He  will  be  here 
anon. 

[Catching  sight  of  Jeremiah,  he  starts  and  stofs 
sfeaking.  Jochebed  likewise  -preserves  an  anxious 
silence.  For  a  few  m^oments  no  one  speaks  in  the 
darkened  room] 

The  Mother 

[Raising  herself  with  difficulty]  Why  are  you  both 
silent?  [She  suddenly  gives  a  cry  of  joy]  Has  he 
come?  Is  my  Jeremiah  here?  Where  are  you, 
Jeremiah? 

[Hesitatingly y  Jeremiah  moves  forward  a  few 
steps.     Hey  tooy  is  a  prey  to  strong  emotion] 

The  Mother 

[Stretching  out  her  arms  towards  him]  You  are 
there,  I  feel  it.  Would  that  I  could  see  you  clearly. 
Why  come  you  not  close,  that  I  may  touch  you? 

Jeremiah 

["Not  moving y  his  hands  still  clenched]  I  dare  not,  I 
dare  not.      Disaster  dogs  my  footsteps.      Curses  go 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  151 

before  me.     Let  me  stand  thus  apart,  lest  my  breath 
harm  you,  lest  it  strike  terror  to  your  soul. 


The  Mother 

[Feverishly]    My  child,  my  arms  crave  for  you. 
Come  close,  dear,  come  close.     Are  my  lips  so  hateful 
to  you?      Is  my  hand  so  estranged? 
t 

Jeremiah 

I  am  estranged  from  myself,  and  a  stranger  In  this 
house. 

The  Mother 

Alas,  he  repels  me,  will  leave  me  once  more.     What 
makes  you  so  cold,  so  hard-hearted? 


Jeremiah 

A  word  burns  between  us  like  the  sword  of  the  angel 
of  God. 

The  Mother 

The  curse,  for  which  I  have  cursed  myself  a  thou- 
sand times?  Idle  breath  was  it,  and  the  wind  has 
blown  it  away. 

Jeremiah 

Nay,  Mother,  the  curse  stands,  and  all  the  streets 
are  filled  with  it.  It  rebounds  from  the  wall  of  every 
house,  attacks  me  from  all  men's  mouths.  No  longer 
am  I  your  son,  no  longer  living  flesh,  but  the  mock  of 
the  world,  an  outcast  from  my  people,  hated  by  the 
righteous,  forgotten  by  God,  loathed  by  myself.      To 


152  JEREMIAH 

myself  leave  me.      Let  me  remain  in  the  darkness, 
most  accurst  of  all  men. 


The  Mother 

My  child,  were  you  indeed  the  rejected  of  all  men, 
banned  by  the  priests,  outlawed  by  the  people  j  had 
God  himself  thrust  you  away  from  the  light  of  his 
countenance  J  still  were  you  my  son,  blood  of  my  blood 
for  evermore.  I  will  love  you  for  their  hatred,  and 
bless  you  for  their  curse.  If  they  have  spit  upon  you, 
come  that  I  may  kiss  you;  if  they  have  cast  you  out, 
come  that  I  may  take  you  in;  home,  come  home  to  my 
heart.  Sweet  to  me  is  the  bitterness  of  your  lips,  sweet 
the  salt  of  your  tears;  blessed  is  all  that  you  doj  if  only 
you  return  to  my  mother's  heart. 

Jeremiah 

I  [Falling  to  his  knees  with  a  groan]  Mother,  spirit  of 
'l  eternal  kindness.  Mother,  you  give  me  back  my  lost 
>  world. 

[The  mother  folds  him  in  her  armSy  and  clasfs  him 
without  speaking  for  a  time.  Tremblingly  she  strokes 
his  head  and  his  body  again  and  again.  At  lengthy  as 
she  looks  at  him^  a  strange  glow  of  happiness  lights  up 
her  face,  and  she  speaks  to  him  in  a  plaintive  chant] 

The  Mother 

Child  of  my  heart,  whom  the  world  thrusts  aloof. 
Had  you  but  stayed  with  me,  ne'er  left  my  roof! 
Home  now  returning,  find  peace  in  my  arms, 
They  hold  you  once  more,  son,  safe  from  all  harms. 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  153 

Tranquilly  cradled,  unscathed  shall  you  bide, 
Keeping  the  house,  no  more  ranging  wide. 
Tenderly  stroking  your  brow  and  your  hair, 
I  will  set  your  heart  free  from  all  sorrow  and  care, 
And  the  curse  which  I  spoke  on  that  ill-omened  day, 
Lo,  with  my  hands  I  have  brushed  it  away! 


Jeremiah 

[Awestruck]  Oh  Mother,  how  thin  your  hands  have 

become  j 
Oh  Mother,  how  wan  your  cheeks  have  become. 
Your  heart  is  scarce  beating  j  your  lips  are  so  pale. 
How  can  I  help  you?     Can  nothing  avail? 

The  Mother 

My  days  have  been  lonely,  my  nights  have  been 

dreary. 
When  you  did  not  return,  I  grew  heart-sick  and 

weary. 
Your  absence  was  killing  me.     Now  you  are  back, 
Your  coming  suffices.     Naught  more  do  I  lack. 

Jeremiah 

Through  the  streets  did  I  wander,  my  heart  turned 

to  stone. 
Your  forgiveness  now  craving,  I  fain  would  atone. 

The  Mother 

Nightly  I  dreamed  your  dreams, 
As  I  lay  in  the  empty  house. 


154  JEREMIAH 

Alone  and  forsaken. 

By  day  they  lurked  in  the  shadows  j 

But  as  night  fell, 

Stealing  forth  from  dark  corners, 

Like  toads,  bats,  and  owls, 

They  crawled  and  flittered  round  my  temples, 

Filling  my  soul  with  horror. 

Rending  and  gnawing. 

Devouring  sleep. 

Like  vampires  did  they  sap  my  strength, 

So  that  the  dawning  of  day 

Found  me  hag-ridden. 

Shattered  and  broken. 

Jeremiah,  I  adjure  you. 

Leave  me  not  again. 

Jeremiah,  I  implore  you. 

Stay  with  me,  stay  with  me, 

For  the  time  is  short. 

Jeremiah 
Mother,  what  mean  you? 

The  Mother 

Seek  not  to  deceive  me. 
Think  you  I  know  not 
That  death  draws  near? 
Even  as  on  a  dial 
The  shadow  rises 
Stage  by  stage  up  the  wall 
While  the  sun  sinks  in  the  west, 
So,  with  every  breath  I  draw. 
Does  darkness  rise  within  me. 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  155 

Woe  is  me  that,  still  living  and  aware, 
I  feel  the  grip  of  death's  cold  hand. 


Jeremiah 

Nay,  Mother,  God's  purpose  with  us  is  plain. 
How  can  you  think  he  will  part  us  anew? 
No  more  am  I  froward.     Your  child  once  again, 
I  am  sent  back  by  him  for  a  fresh  life  with  you. 
Were  it  otherwise,  say  to  me  why  should  I  be 
Unclouded  by  visions,  from  dreaming  set  free? 

The  Mother 
Do  you  dream  no  longer? 

Jeremiah 

My  sleep  is  dreamless  j  my  slumber  is  mute. 
The  night-time  faces  trouble  me  no  more. 
My  dreams  have  become  daylight  realities. 
Revealed  in  full  horror,  they  stalk  'neath  the  sun. 
I  dream  no  longer,  now  the  world's  awake. 

The  Mother 

[Ecstatically y  for  she  has  heeded  only  the  first  fart 
of  Jeremiah's  sfeech\  Your  dreaming  is  over? 
Then  joy  comes  again. 
Indeed,  I  was  certain 
That  God  in  his  mercy 
Would  scatter  the  darkness 
That  clouded  your  brain. 
Recall  but  my  words 


156 


JEREMIAH 


When  we  parted  in  pain: 

Ne'er  shall  an  enemy  circle  our  wall, 

David's  city  be  taken,  Jerusalem  fall. 

Though  foes  from  the  ends  of  the  earth  should  rage, 

The  towering  battlements  ever  shall  stand. 

Firm  Israel's  heart,  and  mighty  her  hand, 

Eternal  the  days  of  Jerusalem. 


Jeremiah 

[Rises  from  his  knees.      He  stares  blankly  as  he 
mutters    in    amaze]     Ne'er    shall     ...  an     enemy 
.    .    .  circle  .    .    .  our  wall? 


The  Mother 

What  sudden  fear  assails  your  soul? 

What  thought  steals  color  from  your  cheek? 


Jeremiah 

[Still  shuddering]  Ne'er  shall  . 
circle  .    .   .  our  wall? 


an  enemy 


The  Mother 
Jeremiah, 

What  has  befallen  you? 
What  has  frightened  you? 
What  has  taken  you  aback? 
And  you, 

Ahab  and  Jochebed, 
Why  are  you  making  signs  to  him? 
Jeremiah,  I  conjure  you. 
Tell  me  what  is  amiss. 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  157 

Jeremiah 

There  Is  nothing  wrong,  Mother,  nothing  at  all. 
I  was  but  mazed  for  a  moment, 
Startled  out  of  myself  by  your  words. 

The  Mother 

Nay,  nay,  it  is  false. 

Your  faces,  of  a  sudden,  grew  dark  and  careworn; 

Now   you   all   turn   away,   exchange   glances,    and 

whisper. 
Awesome,  indeed,  must  be  the  secret  you  hide. 
It  chills  me  like  death  j 
Like  God's  wrath  it  affrights  me. 

Jeremiah 

[Stammering]    Nothing,    Mother,   we   are    hiding 
nothing. 

The  Mother 

Why  seek  to  deceive  me?    Why  hoodwink  my  eyes? 

Not  yet  am  I  dead,  nor  in  coffin  enclosed. 

Life's  breath  in  my  lungs, 

Life's  pulse  at  my  heart, 

I  can  hear,  I  can  speak  j 

Why  then  hide  ye  the  truth? 

Jeremiah 

Mother,   you   are   distraught   with    fever.       Your 
temples  are  burning,  your  hands  are  cold. 


158 


JEREMIAH 

The  Mother 


Why  are  doors  and  windows  curtained  so  close? 

Why  is  all  so  dark  and  still? 

You  stifle  me  in  wrappings, 

Bury  me  in  cushions, 

Me,  who  am  yet  alive. 

Tell  me,  tell  me  why. 


Jeremiah 

Mother,  calm  yourself.      Take  my  hands.      I  am 
here  beside  you. 

The  Mother 

I  live,  I  live  5  I  say  to  you  that  I  live. 

No  longer  shall  you  deceive  me. 

Fearful  is  my  awakening. 

Too  well  do  I  know  the  truth, 

That  my  dreams  were  not  dreams  but  realities. 

Again  and  again  did  I  hear 

The  rolling  of  the  chariots. 

The  trampling  of  the  chargers. 

The  clashing  of  the  weapons. 

The  singing  of  the  hosannas. 

MufBed  were  the  sounds, 

As  they  reached  me  in  this  darkened  roomj 

And  I  fancied  all  was  a  dream. 

Yet  now  I  am  awake. 

Horribly  awake. 

Death  has  forced  open  my  lids. 

I  know 

Why  you  have  shut  away  light  and  sound. 

Disaster  assails  the  city,  has  entered  the  gates. 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  159 

We  are  besieged,  we  are  lost. 
Woe  is  me,  there  is  war  in  Israel!, 


Jeremiah 
Mother,  Mother! 

The  Mother 
Jeremiah,  speak! 
Tell  me. 
Is  he  come, 

He  whose  advent  you  foretold, 
The  king  of  kings  from  the  north? 

Jeremiah 
Mother,  you  are  dreaming. 

Jochebed 

[Whispering]  Lie  to  her!      For  her  life's  sake,  lie 
to  her! 

The  Mother 

[In  delirium]  Alas,  hear  the  trumpets 

Sounding  the  onslaught! 

He  comes  in  his  panoply. 

The  king  from  the  north. 

War  is  upon  us. 

They  swarm  to  attack. 

The  ramparts  are  crumbling. 

The  gates  broken  down. 

The  city  is  lost. 

The  temple  destroyed. 

I  am  crushed  in  the  ruins. 


i6o  JEREMIAH 

I  burn  in  my  bed. 
Save  me,  oh  save  me, 
Jeremiah,  save  me, 
Carry  me  forth! 


Jeremiah 

[Kneels  beside  her]  Mother,  an  evil  fancy 
Enthrals  your  mind. 
Mother,  hearken. 

The  Mother 

I  hold  your  hands. 

Swear  to  me,  swear. 

That  it  is  not  true. 

Swear  to  me,  swear, 

That  no  danger  threatens  Israel. 

Swear  to  me,  swear. 

That  no  enemy  shall  disturb  my  last  rest. 

That  my  burial  place  shall  be  Zion. 


Jeremiah 

So  shall  it  be.      God  will  be  gracious  to  us  in  death 
as  in  life. 

The  Mother 
Jeremiah, 

Do  I  wander  in  mind? 
Is  the  foe  at  the  gates? 
Or  is  our  world  filled  with  peace? 
[Jeremiah  struggles  vainly  for  words] 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  i6i 

Ahab 

[Breaking  in  on  his  hesitation]   Deceive  her,  speak 

ere  she  passes. 
Can  you  not  see 

How  the  darkness  shadows  her  face, 
As  the  angel  of  death  hovers  nigh? 
Speak,  and  chase  the  terror  from  her  soul. 

JOCHEBED 

Speak,  or  it  will  be  too  late. 

A  word,  only  one  word. 

So  that  she  may  die  in  peace. 

Jeremiah 

[Still  struggling  with  contending  passions]  I  cannot, 

I  cannot. 
There  is  one  grips  my  throat. 
Holds  my  soul  in  his  grasp. 

The  Mother 
He  is  silent. 
It  must  then  be  true 
That  God  has  smitten  his  own  people: 
May  the  day  perish  wherein  I  was  born! 
Alas,  the  darkness  gains  on  me. 
Fire  ravages  the  land. 
I  burn.     Bear  me  forth. 

Ahab 

[Interrupting,   to    Jeremiah]    A   word,    only    one 
word. 


1 62  JEREMIAH 

r 

Jeremiah  i 

[Chokingy  as  if  strangled]  No  such  word  can  I  utter., 
God's  hand  grips  my  throat  j 
God's  hand  grasps  my  soul. 
Ah,  cruel  one,  free  me  .    .   . 

The  Mother 

[With  a  wild  cry]  Lost,  all  is  lost. 

I  burn. 

The  city  .    .    .  the  temple  .    .   .  God  falls. 

God  has  fallen! 

The  flames  of  Gehenna  strike  home  to  my  heart. 

Jerusalem! 

[She  collapses  suddenly.      There  is  silence] 

[Ahab  and  Jochebed  move  in  alarm  to  the  bedside 
and  bend  over  the  dead  woman] 

Jeremiah 

[His  voice  bursting  forth  as  when  a  fountain  is 
unsealed]  It  is  false! 
I  lied,  I  lied! 

Eternal  the  days  of  Jerusalem. 
Ne'er  shall  an  enemy  circle  our  wall, 
David's  city  be  taken,  Jerusalem  fall. 

0  Mother,  once  again  give  ear. 

1  swear  it,  look  you,  I  solemnly  swear, 
Eternal  the  days  of  Jerusalem! 

Ahab 
[Fiercely]  Away! 


I 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  163 

Your  oaths  will  not  waken  her! 
Leave  her  in  peace ! 


Jeremiah 
She  must  hear  me  before  'tis  too  late. 

Ahab 

[BiUerly]  As  you  say,  'tis  too  late. 

Away  from  the  room. 

Your  cries  will  not  waken  her, 

Nor  your  lies  break  her  sleep. 

While  she  lived  you  were  silent, 

Unfeeling  as  stone. 

Idle  dreamer  and  outcast, 

Hence,  get  you  begone! 

JOCHEBED 

Away,  rejected  of  men, 

Scorn  of  the  just. 

Away  from  the  house. 

Why,  ah  why, 

Did  she  readmit  you? 

Away,  man  accurst. 

Break  not  the  calm 

pf  the  death  which  you  wrought. 

Jeremiah 

[Overwhelmed]  Ever  accursed. 
Ever  rejected. 


i64  JEREMIAH 

Thrust  forth  from  home, 

Unfriended  to  roam. 

God,  God,  it  is  hard  to  bear  men  thy  word! 

[Ahab  and  Jochebed  fay  the  last  duties  to  the 
deady  -pressing  down  the  eyelids y  and  wrapping  the  body 
in  a  shroud.  Ahab  goes  to  the  pitchers  and  sprinkles 
water  on  the  ground.  No  sound  but  their  solemn 
faces  can  be  heard.  Jeremiah  stares  before  him  in 
stupor.  Silence  prevails  for  a  time,  full  of  the  mys- 
tery of  death.  Then  a  clamor  is  heard  without. 
There  is  a  vehement  knocking  at  the  door] 

Ahab 
Who  knocks? 

Jochebed 

There  is  a  turbulent  crowd  without. 

Ahab 

They  assail  the  door  as  if  they  were  enemies.  You 
had  better  open. 

Jochebed 

Hark  to  the  savages,  they  have  burst  in  the  door. 

[The  sound  of  splintering  wood  is  heard.  Then 
hasty  footsteps.  Zebulon,  Pashur,  Hananiah,  the 
First  Sentry,  and  m^any  others^  rush  in] 

Zebulon 
He  must  be  here. 

A  Boy 
I  saw  him  go  in. 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  165 

Voices 

So  did  I. — He  slipped  in  an  hour  back. — I  was  on 
watch  as  you  ordered. — I  saw  him  too. 

Ahab 

Whom  do  you  seek? 

Pashur 
Deliver  him  up — the  man  you  are  hiding. 

Zebulon 
We  will  have  blood  for  blood. 

Ahab 
What  mean  ye  by  breaking  in  here?     Away,  rabble. 

Pashur 

[Catching  sight  of  the  corpse y  raises  his  hands  and 
S'peaks  reverently^  Praise  to  the  eternal  judge.  May 
he  be  merciful  to  the  just.  YTurning  away  he  passes 
into  the  background^ 

The  Others 

{Suddenly  stilled y  murmur^  Praise  to  the  eternal 
judge. 

One  Speaks 

[Gently],  Who  has  died? 

Ahab 

One  from  whom  God  had  hidden  the  light  of  his 
countenance.      One   full   of   sorrows,   and   acquainted 


1 66  JEREMIAH 

with  grief.     One  whose  bitterest  affliction  was  that  she 
gave  birth  to  the  enemy  of  her  nation. 


Another  Speaks 
Jeremiah!, 

Zebulon  J 

It  is  Jeremiah  whom  we  seek.     Where  is  Jeremiah? 

Jeremiah 

[Comes  forward,  speaking  loudly  in  grief  and 
indignation^  Who  seeks  Jeremiah?  Who  still  desires 
to  rain  curses  on  me?  Let  him  come,  let  him  curse.  I 
am  the  mark  for  all  the  curses  in  the  world. 

Zebulon 

It  is  I,  wretch,  who  come  to  curse  you,  I,  Zebulon, 
father  of  Baruch,  whom  you  have  led  astray.  Where 
is  my  son? 

Jeremiah 

[Tonelessly^  How  should  I  know?  Am  I  your 
son's  keeper? 

Hananiah 

This  man  makes  a  charge  against  you.  Answer, 
Jeremiah. 

Jeremiah 

He,  too,  makes  a  charge.  Should  I  begin  to  bring 
charges  I  should  speak  from  now  till  midnight. 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  167 

Voices 

He  answers  not. — He  talks  at  random,  evading  the 
charge. — Pashur,  Hananiah,  make  an  end. — Pass 
judgment  upon  him. 

Hananiah 
Have  you  brought  witnesses,  Zebulon? 

Zebulon 

My  son  has  vanished  from  the  town.  He  has  been 
continually  with  Jeremiah.  On  the  ramparts,  last 
night,  this  man  heard  Jeremiah  inciting  Baruch  to 
desert  to  the  enemy. 

Hananiah 
[To  the  First  Sentry]  Do  you  bear  this  witness? 

First  Sentry 

Verily,  prophet,  while  I  stood  on  guard,  there  came 
two  men.  One  was  Jeremiah,  well  known  to  me.  The 
other  was  young,  little  more  than  a  boy,  with  black  hair 
and  flashing  eyes. 

Zebulon 

It  was  Baruch  my  son,  whom  this  man  hath 
corrupted. 

First  Sentry 

There  was  much  talk  between  them.  Jeremiah 
prophesied  disaster,  so  that  my  heart  grew  hot 
within  me. 


1 68  JEREMIAH 

Hananiah 

[To  the  others\  Do  you  hear?  He  prophesied  the 
fall  of  Zion. 

First  Sentry 

When  the  king  had  gone,  and  Jeremiah  and  the 
other  were  alone,  then  the  other,  he  whom  you  name 
Baruch,  climbed  down  the  wall  and  deserted  to  the 
enemy,  leaving  Jeremiah  on  the  ramparts. 

Zebulon 

Do  you  hear,  men  of  Israel?  I  charge  Jeremiah 
with  leading  my  son  astray,  with  bringing  shame  upon 
my  house. 

Pashur 

[Advancing  to  the  front]  Your  answer,  Jeremiah. 
What  say  you  to  this  charge?  [Jeremiah  is  silent] 
Do  you  call  witnesses? 

Jeremiah 

[In  low  tones]  The  one  who  would  testify  for  me 
must  not  be  named. 

Pashur 

Will  he  come  forward  in  due  time? 
[Jeremiah  is  silent] 

Voices 
Make  an  end,  make  an  end. 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  169 

Pashur 

Silence.  I  will  hold  just  judgment!  Jeremiah,  I 
cite  you  to  answer.  [Jeremiah  is  silent]  You  are 
charged  with  having,  in  defiance  of  the  king's  com- 
mand, foretold  disaster. 

[Jeremiah  is  silent] 

Hananiah 

Do  you  deny  your  words?  [Jeremiah  still  holds 
his  peace]  Lo,  the  fear  of  death  has  moved  him  at 
length.      For  the  first  time  he  is  silent. 

Jeremiah 

You  who  have  misled  Israel,  would  you  tempt  me  to 
say  No  when  God  says  Yes,  and  Yes  when  God  says 
No?  More  strongly  hath  he  tempted  me  to  depart 
from  his  ways,  yet  would  I  not  depart  from  them. 
He  raised  up  one  against  me  whose  breath  was  dearer 
to  me  than  the  breath  of  my  own  life,  but  I  would  not 
yield  to  her,  for  the  Lord  cuts  from  the  tree  of  life 
him  whom  he  hath  chosen  for  a  scourge.  Go,  and 
leave  me  in  peace. 

Zebulon 

I  will  not  go.  He  has  destroyed  my  son.  I  demand 
judgment. 

Pashur 

Twice  have  I  charged  you  to  speak.  You  have 
spoken  when  you  should  have  been  silent;  now  you  are 
silent  when  you  should  speak.      For  the  third  time  I 


1 70  JEREMIAH 

cite  you.  [Jeremiah  is  silent]  Hear  then  my 
judgment.  No  longer  shall  you  seek  to  daunt  the 
courageous,  no  longer  shall  you  lead  youth  astray, 
Jeremiah,  the  son  of  Hilkiah  in  Israel. 


Jeremiah 

Make  short  work!  Wither  me  no  longer  with  your 
glances.     Enough,  enough. 

Pashur 

You  shall  be  lowered  into  a  pit,  that  you  may  no 
longer  be  an  offence  to  God's  daylight,  nor  your  voice 
an  affliction  to  the  city.  May  you  perish,  and  your 
words  with  you,  in  the  darkness  of  the  earth. 


Jeremiah 

Life  is  affliction!  Words  are  affliction!  Blessed 
be  darkness,  thrice  blessed  the  tomb. 

Pashur 

Lay  hands  on  him.      Execute  judgment! 

Voices 

Oh,  just  judgment! — Great  is  the  wisdom  of 
Pashur. — Away  with  Jeremiah, — Fetch  a  rope,  that  we 
may  lower  him  into  the  pit. 


THE  PROPHET'S  ORDEAL  171 

Jeremiah 

[Shrinking  from  their  touch]  Touch  me  not.  Bet- 
ter, far  better  is  darkness,  for  the  hour  is  at  hand  in 
Israel  when  the  living  will  envy  the  dead,  and  when 
those  that  wake  will  envy  the  sleepers.  My  heart 
yearns  for  silence  j  my  soul  is  consumed  with  longing 
that  I  may  become  brother  to  the  dead.  Make  way,  I 
will  bury  myself,  that  I  may  deliver  myself  from  the 
world,  and  Israel  of  my  presence.  [He  folds  his  arms 
and  moves  towards  the  doorway.  The  others  begin  to 
follow  him-  hesitatingly] 

Hananiah 

[Bursting  in  on  the  silence  with  an  exultant  cry] 
Rejoice,  Zion,  for  broken  is  the  song  of  thy  destruction, 
rent  are  the  lips  of  thy  slanderer.  Rejoice,  Zion,  for 
eternal  is  thy  springtime.  Jerusalem  endureth  for 
ever! 

[Jeremiah  turns  fiercely ^  raising  his  arms  as  if 
about  to  rebuke  Hananiah.  His  eyes  flash  fire. 
Those  at  his  heels  draw  back  in  alarm^  as  from  a  wild 
beast  at  bay.  But  Jeremiah  controls  himself.  His 
arms  sink  to  his  sides y  and  the  fierce  expression  vanishes 
from  his  countenance.  With  a  last  look  at  the  dead 
form  of  his  mother y  he  regains  composure.  Covering 
his  facey  he  walks  forth  alone^  like  one  carrying  a  heavy 
burden.  The  rest  follow  in  disorder.  Last  of  all 
walks  Pashur,  deep  in  thought.  Ahab  and  Jochebed 
are  lefty  looking  at  one  another  uneasily.  Ahab  takes 
a  linen  sheet  and  spreads  it  reverently  over  the  body] 


II 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT 


i 


"i; 


SCENE  SIX 

Evening  cometh  and  the  shadows  lengthen.    Jere- 
miah, VI,  4. 


I 


SCENE  SIX 

King  Zedekiah's  bed-chamber^  large  and  stately. 
It  is  dimly  lightedy  so  that  details  are  scarcely  visible. 
What  light  there  is  comes  from  a  lamp  hanging  in  a 
golden  bowly  and  from  the  soft  inoonbeafns  which 
stream  in  through  the  casement.  This  is  widely  open 
and  commands  a  view  of  the  town.  In  the  fore- 
ground  stands  a  large  table  surrounded  by  broad  seats. 
The  curtained  bed  occupies  the  center  of  the  back- 
ground.  Zedekiah  is  standing  motionless  at  the 
windoWy  looking  down  on  the  moonlit  city.  Joab,  a 
young  spearman^  enters^  and  stands  respectfully  wait- 
ing for  the  king  to  notice  him.  Zedekiah  pays  no 
heedy  but  continues  to  gaze  out  of  the  window. 


The  Lad 

[After  a  pause  ventures  to  speak]  My  Lord  King! 
[Zedekiah  turns  with  a  start]  It  is  midnight,  O  King. 
This  is  the  hour  at  which  thou  orderedst  me  to  summon 
the  council. 


Zedekiah 
Are  they  all  here? 

The  Lad 

All,  at  thy  command. 

177 


178  JEREMIAH 

Zedekiah 

Have  they  come  unseen  by  the  people  and  by  the 
palace  servants? 

The  Lad 

Unseen,  Lord  King.      By  secret  ways  I  led  them 
hither. 

Zedekiah 

Where  is  the  spy?      Hast  thou  kept  him  apart? 

The  Lad 

He  tarries  with  the  doorkeepers, 

Zedekiah 

Let  him  tarry.     Summon  the  council. 
[The    Lad    bowsy    and    disaf fears    through    the 
doorway] 

Zedekiah 

[Strides  to  and  fro,  and  then  returns  to  the  window. 

He  soliloquizes]  Never  have  I  seen  the  stars  shine  so 

brightly.     They  stand  confusedly  in  rows,  like  letters 

on  the  dark  background  of  heaven,  a  writing  which  no 

man  can  read.      In  Babylon,  they  say,  are  interpreters 

and  priests  who  serve  the  stars,  conversing  with  them 

by  night.     Other  kings  can  talk  with  their  gods;  they 

have  shrines  on  their  towers  where  they  can  learn  the 

will  of  heaven  when  their  hearts  are  troubled.     Why 

j   have  I  no  soothsayers  who  can  tell  the  future?      It  is 

\  tprrible  to  be  the  servant  of  a  god  who  is  always  silent  j 

\  \frhom  no  one  has  ever  seen!      [A  pause  while  he  con- 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  179 

templates  the  city]  They  are  all  asleep,  those  over 
whom  I  rule  J  they  rest  beside  their  wives  or  beside 
their  weapons  3  in  me  is  centered  their  need  and  their 
wakefulness.  I  must  counsel  others,  but  who  shall 
counsel  me?  I  must  lead  others,  but  who  shall  lead 
me?  I  am  exalted  over  others,  but  over  me  is  exalted 
one  whom  I  cannot  see.  Below  is  sleep  j  above  is 
silence. 

[The  Lad  draws  aside  the  curtain ;  and  the  five 
councilors  enter  noiselessly.  .  They  are  Pashur,  the 
high  priest;  Hananiah,  the  prophet;  Imre,  the  oldest 
burgher;  Abimelech,  the  general;  Nahum,  the 
steward.  Zedekiah  turns  to  receive  them.  They 
bow] 

Zedekiah 

I  summoned  you  by  night  that  our  talk  might  be 
private.  I  demand  from  you  a  pledge  of  secrecy. 
Lay  your  hands  within  the  priest's  hands  j  he  will 
answer  for  you  to  the  Most  High.  [Silently  they  raise 
their  hands  in  adjuration^  and  each  in  turn  lays  his 
hand  in  Pashur's]  I  swear  by  Almighty  God  that  I 
will  show  no  anger  against  any  who  opposes  me. 
[He  lays  his  hand  in  Pashur's]  Now  let  us  take 
counsel.  [He  waves  them  towards  the  table ^  and  all 
take  their  seats]  We  are  in  the  eleventh  month  of  the 
siege.  The  vines  are  green  once  more.  Nebuchad- 
nezzar has  been  unable  to  take  Jerusalem,  but  we  on 
our  part  have  not  been  able  to  force  him  to  raise  the 
siege.  His  sword  against  us  beats  the  water,  but  so 
likewise  does  ours  beat  the  water  against  him.  We 
have  left  nothing  undone  that  might  bring  aid.  I 
have  sent  envoys  to  the  king  of  the  Medes;  I  have 
sent  to  the  princes  of  the  east,  asking  their  help  against 
Ashur.     The  missions  were  fruitless.     We  stand  alone. 


i8o  JEREMIAH 

Hananiah 

[Fiercely]  God  is  on  our  side. 
[The  others  say  nothing] 

Zedekiah 

[Quietly]  God  is  on  our  side.  He  has  set  up  his 
tabernacle  upon  this  hill,  and  my  own  roof  stands  in 
the  shadow  of  his  holy  house.  But  God  sends  trials 
upon  his  own  people.  Those  who  swore  faith  to  us, 
betrayed  usj  the  Egyptians  abandoned  usj  we  are 
alone.  Let  us  take  counsel  together,  how  to  fight  out 
our  quarrel  with  Nebuchadnezzar,  or  whether  we  can 
find  a  means  to  end  it. 

Hananiah 

Let  us  pray  to  God  for  a  miracle.  Let  our  hearts 
overflow  with  prayer,  our  altars  smoke  with  sacrifices. 
What  we  have  done  once  hitherto,  let  us  now  do  twice 
over. 

Nahum 

There  is  nothing  left  to  sacrifice,  neither  bulls  nor 
rams. 

Hananiah 

It  is  false.  I  have  heard  the  lowing  of  the  cattle 
which  you  refuse  to  deliver  up  to  the  sacrifice. 

Nahum 

The  last  we  have.  They  are  milch  cows  to  provide 
food  for  nursing  mothers  and  the  sick. 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  1 8 1 


Hananiah 

Such  thrift  is  impious  where  God  is  concerned.  Let 
the  sick  starve  and  the  breasts  of  the  women  run  dry, 
so  long  as  God  receives  due  meed  of  sacrifice. 

Pashur 

[Earnestly]  God  requires  no  gifts  to  make  him 
aware  of  our  distresses. 

Hananiah 

Naught  is  sweeter  to  the  Lord  than  the  gifts  of  the 
needy.  We  should  give  to  the  uttermost,  tearing  the 
morsels  from  our  own  mouths. 

Pashur 

I  know  the  customs.  It  is  not  for  you,  Hananiah, 
to  teach  me  my  duty,  which  I  know  better  perchance 
than  you  know  God's  word  and  God's  will. 

Hananiah 

Who  sacrifices  grudgingly,  who  sacrifices  with  a 
cold  heart,  is  but  a  slaughterman,  and  no  true  servant 
of  the  Lord.  Lo,  I  say  unto  you  unless  ye  give  of 
your  uttermost  need,  ye  are  unworthy  to  stand  in  the 
light  of  his  countenance. 

Zedekiah 
[Passionately]  Hold  your  peace.      Your  words  are 


1 82  JEREMIAH 

past  bearing.  But  a  few  grains  of  sand  have  run 
through  the  hour  glass,  and  already  you  rail  against 
one  another.  We  do  not  meet  to  discuss  what  it  is 
fitting  we  should  render  unto  God.  We  meet  to  con- 
sider our  pressing  need,  and  how  we  can  relieve  it. 
We  are  in  the  throes  of  war,  and  to  you  therefore  I 
turn  first  for  counsel,  Abimelech,  general  of  my  army. 


Abimelech 

Stout  are  the  walls  of  Jerusalem,  O  King,  but  stouter 
still  is  my  heart. 

Zedekiah 

And  your  men,  old  stalwart  j  are  they,  too,  stout- 
hearted? Rarely  do  I  hear  them  raise  exultant  cries. 
When  I  pass  among  them,  no  longer  do  they  strike 
their  shields.     They  turn  away  their  faces. 


Abimelech 

War  makes  men  silent,  but  it  steels  their  hearts.  No 
longer,  indeed,  do  they  shout  with  delight,  for  that 
they  can  use  their  swords  freely.  Custom  stales  all 
joys.  But  they  watch  and  wait;  strong  as  brass  are 
they,  guarding  the  walls  of  Jerusalem. 


Zedekiah 

But  what  if  the  moons  still  wax  and  wane;  what  if 
the  second  year  of  the  siege  begins?  There  is  no 
help  coming  from  outside. 


I 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  183 

Abimelech 

The  siege  will  last  as  long  as  God  pleases,  and  we 
shall  last  as  long  as  the  siege. 

Zedekiah 

May  the  Lord  fulfil  thy  words.  [To  the  others] 
Are  ye  all  of  the  same  opinion? 

Pashur 

We  must  be  steadfast,  enduring  patiently  until  the 
end. 

Zedekiah 
What  sayest  thou,  Hananiah? 

Hananiah 

Never  shall  Nebuchadnezzar  overthrow  us.  W^oe 
unto  all  faint-hearts.  Did  it  rest  with  me,  I  would 
put  them  to  the  sword. 

Imre 

Mine  eyes  are  dim  with  age,  but  being  old,  I  saw  the 
days  when  Senaccherib  was  arrayed  against  Israel,  and  I 
saw  his  men  lying  dead  in  heaps  around  our  walls. 
Never  were  the  jackals  so  fat  as  in  the  year  when 
Jerusalem  was  encircled  by  the  enemies  of  the  Lord. 
The  same  may  happen  again  to  those  who  now  besiege 
us.  Let  mine  eyes  not  be  wholly  darkened  ere  this 
day  dawn.     Jerusalem  endureth  for  ever! 


1 84  JEREMIAH 

Abimelech,  Hananiah,  Pashur 

Jerusalem  endureth  for  ever! 

[A  pause] 

Zedekiah 

Thou  sayest  nothing,  Nahum.  Wherefore  art  thou 
silent? 

Nahum 

Gloomy  are  my  thoughts,  Lord  King,  and  bitter  will 
be  my  speech.  He  thrusts  not  himself  forward,  to 
whom  joy  is  lacking. 

Zedekiah 

I  summoned  you  in  council,  one  and  all.  Welcome 
is  the  bearer  of  good  tidings,  but  no  less  welcome  he 
who  brings  wise  warnings.      Speak  freely. 

Nahum 

Shortly  before  you  called  me  to  the  council,  I  was 
visiting  the  storehouses,  and  having  the  grain  measured, 
bushel  by  bushel.  They  were  full  when  the  siege 
began,  but  now  they  are  alm^ost  empty.  No  longer 
can-  we  provide  a  whole  loaf  for  the  day's  ration. 

[All  sit  in  dismayed  silence] 

Zedekiah 

Was  there  not  ample  provision  of  grain  from  the 
villages?  Was  not  an  abundance  of  milch  cows  and 
other  beasts  driven  within  the  walls? 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  185 

Nahum 

Forget  not  that  the  siege  has  lasted  nearly  a  year, 
and  that  there  are  many  mouths  to  feed. 

Zedekiah 

[After  another  pause]  We  can  reduce  the  rations  yet 
further.     Let  nothing  be  wasted. 

Nahum 

Long  have  we  been  careful  to  avoid  waste.  Yet  the 
storehouses  gape  with  emptiness.  Time  is  a  mighty 
eater. 

Zedekiah 

How  long,  then,  thinkest  thou,  ere  famine  is  upon 
us? 

Nahum 

[In  low  tones]  Three  weeks.  Lord.      No  more. 
[A  pause] 

Zedekiah 

Three  weeks  .   .    .  And  then? 

Nahum 

How  can  I  answer  thee,  O  King?  God  alone  knows 
the  answer.     [Renewed  silence] 

Hananiah 

[In  great  excitement]  Cut  the  loaves  in  half.  Cut 
them  in  three,  and  let  that  suffice  for  the  day.      Too 


i86  JEREMIAH 

long  have  they  lived  riotously,  they  and  their  con- 
cubines j  let  them  grow  lean,  now,  fighting  the  Lord*s 
fight. 

Abimelech 

My  soldiers  must  not  have  their  food  cut  down.    No 
man  can  fight  on  an  empty  stomach. 


Hananiah 

We  must  all  share  and  share  alike,  the  soldiers  as 
well  as  the  others.     Jerusalem  is  at  stake. 


Abimelech 

My  men  must  have  their  strength  kept  up.  Let  the 
useless  mouths  go  hungry,  the  windbags  and  the 
prattlers. 

Nahum 

You  talk  folly.  What  would  it  avail  to  pinch  our- 
selves unduly,  seeing  that  there  are  an  hundred  thou- 
sand within  the  walls.  There  is  food  to  last  us  three 
weeks.  If  we  slaughter  the  beasts  reserved  for  the 
temple,  we  can  hold  out  a  fortnight  more. 


Pashur 

Let  us  keep  the  peace  among  ourselves.  Ye  rail 
against  one  another  like  enemies.  Let  us  stand  united 
against  Nebuchadnezzar  and  likewise  against  our  own 
people.  Neither  he  nor  they  must  know  aught  of  our 
need. 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  187 

Zedekiah 
What  if  he  know  it  already? 

Nahum 

None  can  know  it.  Daily  I  set  my  seal  on  the  doors 
of  the  storehouses.  Neither  the  people  nor  Nebuchad- 
nezzar can  be  aware  of  our  distress. 

Abimelech 

God  be  praised.  Nebuchadnezzar  would  show  us  no 
mercy  if  he  knew. 

Zedekiah 

\^After  a  pause]     I  have  called  you  in  council,  elders 

of  the  people.    Wars  are  not  ended  by  the  sword  alone. 

I  have  summoned  you  to  ask  whether  I  should  send 

'an  envoy  to  Nebuchadnezzar,  praying  him  that  there 

should  be  peace  between  our  nations. 

Hananiah 
No  peace  with  the  blasphemers  of  the  Almighty! 

Abimelech 
Let  him  make  the  first  offer. 

Pashur 

I  think  it  would  be  dangerous  for  us  to  begin. 
Should  we  open  the  parley,  he  would  seek  to  make 
slaves  of  us. 


i88  JEREMIAH 

Zedekiah 

I  hold  other  views.  Though  as  yet  he  knows  nothing 
of  our  desperate  plight,  it  can  remain  hidden  for  a  few 
days  only.    We  must  turn  these  days  to  account. 

Nahum 

True  are  thy  words,  O  King.  We  must  seek  mercy 
of  Nebuchadnezzar  before  he  triumphs  over  us  with 
the  sword. 

Abimelech 
[Bitterly]     Sue  for  mercy!     Death  were  better! 

Pashur 
We  need  God's  mercy,  not  man's. 

Hananiah 
[To  Nahum]     Coward  and  traitor! 

Imre 

[Wearily]  When  will  you  cease  quarreling?  The 
king's  words  are  true.  It  would  be  folly  to  wait  till  the 
last  hour.  Let  us  seek  parley  while  we  can  still  show 
a  bold  front. 

Abimelech 

It  is  too  late.  The  dead  lying  before  the  walls  will 
cry  reproach  on  us. 

Pashur 

It  is  too  late.  The  war  has  heaped  up  such  moun- 
tains of  hatred. 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  189 

Zedekiah 

Nay,  It  is  not  too  late.  [He  pauses  for  a  moment] 
An  envoy  has  already  passed  between  Nebuchadnezzar 
and  me. 

[The  councilors  spring  excitedly  to  their  feet] 

Nahum 

Thou  hast  received  an  envoy  from  Nebuchadnezzar? 
Blessed  be  the  hour. 

Hananiah 
Traitor!     Thou  holdest  parley  with  the  enemy! 

Abimelech 
No  treaty  without  our  consent!   Thou  hast  forgotten. 

Pashur 

Thou  hast  held  parley,  King,  without  consulting  us? 
Why  then  are  we  summoned  in  council? 

Zedekiah 

PeacCc  peace.  Can  ye  not  wait  till  I  have  finished? 
Ye  snap  at  my  first  word  like  a  paclc.  of  hungry  hounds. 
[A  pause.  He  continues  more  quietly]  A  messenger 
has  come  from  Nebuchadnezzar.  I  have  not  yet  heard 
the  message.  Is  this  to  hold  parley?  Is  this  treachery? 
Answer! 

[All  are  silent  for  a  while] 


190  JEREMIAH 

Pashur 

I  crave  thy  pardon,  King.  It  is  hard  to  weigh  one's 
words  when  so  much  hangs  in  the  balance. 

Zedekiah 

It  is  for  you  to  deddej  for  you  to  hear  the  envoy, 
or  to  send  him  away  unheard. 

Nahum 
Our  position  is  desperate.    We  must  hear  him. 

Imre 

We  can  listen  to  his  message,  and  be  cautious  about 
accepting  it. 

Abimelech 

We  can  hear  him,  and  can  settle  afterwards  whether 
we  will  let  him  return.  He  may  be  sent  only  to  spy 
out  the  land. 

Zedekiah 
What  say  ye,  Pashur  and  Hananiah? 

Pashur 
Let  us  hear  him. 

[Hananiah  is  silent  and  averts  his  face] 

Zedekiah 

Since  no  one  opposes,  we  will  hear  the  message. 
[Going  to  the  doorway  he  calls  out]     Joab,  fetch  the 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  1 9 1 

envoy.  [Zedekiah  returns  to  the  tahle\  Let  each 
ask  what  questions  he  will.  But  our  answers  must  show 
one  mind. 

[Baruch  h  ushered  In  by  Joab.  The  latter  f asses 
out  agamy  re^placlng  the  curtain.  Baruch  bows  before 
the  king] 

Dost  thou  bring  a  message  to  Israel  from  King 
Nebuchadnezzar? 

Baruch 
He  has  sent  me  with  a  message  to  thee,  O  King. 

Zedekiah 

These  are  my  councilors.  Who  speaks  to  me  speaks 
to  them  also,  for  they  and  I,  Israel  and  Israel's  king, 
are  at  one  by  God's  will.  [Turning  to  the  others] 
Question  him. 

Hananiah 

[Scornfully]  What  grace  does  the  king  of  the 
heathen  vouchsafe  .   .   , 

Abimelech 

[Interrupting]  Let  us  consider  practical  matters 
first!     What  is  your  name? 

Baruch 
Baruch,  son  of  Zebulon,  of  the  house  of  Naphtali. 

Abimelech 
Are  you  then  of  our  blood? 


192  JEREMIAH 

Baruch 

I  am  a  servant  of  the  one  God,  and  was  born  in 
Jerusalem. 

Abimelech 
Does  anyone  here  know  this  man? 

Pashur 

I  know  his  father,  a  just  man,  and  a  faithful  servant 
of  the  Lord. 

Abimelech 
How  did  you  fall  into  the  enemy's  hands? 

Baruch 

I  was  drawing  water  from  Moria  well  when  they 
seized  me. 

Abimelech 

What  proof  have  you  that  you  are  an  envoy?  Have 
you  a  letter,  signed  and  sealed? 

Baruch 

Nebuchadnezzar  gave  me  his  signet  ring,  that  I 
might  pass  the  sentries  going  and  returning.  [He 
shows  the  ring  on  Ms  finger. \ 

Abimelech 

I  have  no  more  questions  to  ask.  Let  him  deliver 
his  message. 

Baruch 

When  the  Assyrian  soldiers  waylaid  me,  they  took       j 
me  to  the  king's  tent.     Nebuchadnezzar  has  kept  me 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  193 

under  guard  these  eleven  months.  Sending  for  me 
yesterday,  he  said:  "Wilt  thou  take  my  message  to 
King  Zedekiah?"  Standing  before  him  without  fear, 
I  answered:  "I  will."  Then  spake  Nebuchadnezzar: 
"Eleven  months  have  I  laid  siege  to  this  town.  I  have 
sworn  that  not  again  will  I  lie  with  woman  until  the 
gates  of  Jerusalem  have  been  opened.  But  I  will  wait 
no  longer.  Should  King  Zedekiah  wish  for  terms, 
let  him  hasten.  Never  has  an  enemy  withstood  me 
more  stoutly.  To  none  will  I  be  more  gentle  than 
to  him,  should  he  hasten  to  sue  for  mercy." 


Abimelech 

Nebuchadnezzar  is  a  great  warrior.     It  is  an  honor 
to  have  held  out  against  him  for  eleven  months. 


Baruch 

He  said  further:  "If  ye  open  the  gates  and  humble 
yourselves  ere  the  moon  be  full,  I  will  grant  you  your 
lives.  Every  man  may  dwell  in  safety  under  his  vine 
and  under  his  fig  tree.  Though  ye  have  shed  our 
blood,  I  seek  not  yours,  but  only  victory  and  renown. 
It  is  my  will  that  from  sunrise  to  sunset  the  nations 
should  learn  the  news  that  none  can  withstand  my 
sword  J  that  there  is  no  king  but  shall  bow  before  me, 
the  king  of  kings.  I  need  but  a  sign,  and  your  city 
shall  be  safe,  your  days  long  in  the  land." 


Nahum 
Methinks  the  terms  are  easy. 


194  JEREMIAH 

Pashur 
Too  easy  for  me  to  trust  them. 

Zedekiah 

But  the  sign!  What  sign  does  Nebuchadnezzar 
demand? 

Baruch 

He  said:  "Zedekiah,  who  has  taken  up  arms  against 
me,  must  abase  himself.  When  I  enter  the  city,  let 
him  walk  to  meet  me,  from  the  gates  of  the  temple  to 
the  wall,  carrying  his  crown  in  his  hands,  and  wearing 
a  wooden  yoke  on  his  neck  ..." 

Zedekiah 
[Drawing  himself  up]     A  yoke? 

Baruch 

"A  yoke  that  all  men  may  know  his  stubbornness  is 
broken  and  his  pride  humbled.  I  will  meet  him,  will 
lift  the  yoke  from  his  neck,  and  replace  the  crown  on 
his  head." 

Zedekiah 

Never  shall  the  man  wear  a  crown  whose  neck  has 
borne  a  yoke.    Never!     [He  rises  to  his  feet] 

Abimelech 
I  could  not  endure  it!      [He  also  rises] 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  195 

[The  others  remain  seated  and  silent.    After  a  long 
"pause y  Nahum  speaks  meditatively^ 


Nahum 
From  the  gates  of  the  temple  to  the  wall? 

Pashur 
It  is  barely  an  hundred  paces. 

Imre 

No  more  than  seventy,  I  think.  No  more  than 
seventy. 

Zedekiah 

[Turning  fiercely  upon  them]  Ye  reckon  up  the 
paces  I  am  to  take,  with  my  neck  yoked  like  an  ox 
drawing  the  plough?  Are  ye  all  mad  to  think  that  I 
shall  so  humble  myself?  Did  ye  show  courage  only 
while  your  own  lives  were  at  stake?  Do  ye  think 
nothing  of  my  shame,  if  ye  can  make  your  own  peace? 
Cowards  all! 

Pashur 

Thou  hast  sworn,  O  King,  that  each  of  us  should 
speak  freely  the  words  which  came  to  his  mouth. 

Zedekiah 

Thou  dost  well  to  remind  me.  Pardon  my  anger. 
Speak  freely. 


196  JEREMIAH 

Nahum 

I  beseech  thee  to  accept  the  terms,  not  for  our  sake 
alone  but  for  that  of  our  children. 

Imre 
For  the  sake  of  our  country. 

Pashur 
For  temple  and  altar. 

Hananiah 

For  God,  who  commands  it. 
[Abimelech  is  silentj  hiding  his  face] 

Zedekiah 

[Paces  up  and  downy  as  the  struggle  rages  within 
him.  At  length  he  steps  up  to  the  table y  and  speaks  in 
solemn  tones]  I  will  do  what  ye  demand,  breaking 
my  pride  like  a  potter's  vessel,  bowing  my  neck  beneath 
the  yoke. 

[All  move  to  speak y  but  he  imposes  silence y  and 
continues] 

I  will  take  the  crown  from  my  head,  and  offer  it 
up  with  my  hands,  as  is  enjoined.  But  holy  is  the 
crown  of  Israel,  and  none  shall  wear  it  whose  neck  hath 
borne  a  yoke.  When  I  have  put  oflF  from  me  the  wood 
of  shame,  I  shall  put  away  likewise  sceptre  and  ring, 
consigning  both  to  my  son.  Young  is  he,  but  ye  will 
counsel  him.     Swear  that  ye  will  be  true  to  him,  so 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  197 

that  the  people  may  look  up  to  him.     Swear  that  ye 
will  invest  him  with  crown  and  with  ring. 


Pashur 
^Greatly  tnoved]  I  swear  it,  O  King. 

Imre,  Hananiah,  Nahum 
We  swear  it. 

Abimelech 
As  a  king  hast  thou  acted.    Praised  be  thy  name. 

Nahum 
Eternal  honor  to  King  Zedekiah. 

Zedekiah 

Thus  shall  the  walls  stand  fast,  thus  shall  the  holy 
city  be  saved,  though  I  sink  into  the  dust.  Better  I 
should  perish  than  Zion.    Jerusalem  endureth  for  ever. 

All 

[Fervently]     Jerusalem  endureth  for  ever. 

Zedekiah 

[To  Baruch]  Thou  hearest,  boy?  Go,  then,  to 
the  king  of  Ashur,  and  say  unto  him:  "Zedekiah,  who 
hath  been  ruler,  and  hath  taken  up  arms  against  thee, 
boweth   himself  before  thee,  that  thou  mayest  show 


198  JEREMIAH 

him  thy  mercy."  Hasten,  that  soon  I  may  stand  before 
the  door  of  my  house,  saying  to  my  people  the  precious 
word,  "Peace". 

Baruch 

[Disquieted,  speaks  in  subdued  tones]  I  hear.  Lord 
King.  But  there  is  yet  one  other  thing  I  have  to  tell 
thee,  one  more  demand  from  the  king  of  Ashur. 

Abimelech 

[Angrily]  Yet  more?  Does  not  this  shame  suffice 
him? 

Baruch 
A  trifle  he  termed  it.    It  looms  large  in  my  mind. 

Zedekiah 
What  does  his  pride  still  crave? 

Baruch 

He  spake  unto  me  and  said:  "I  will  take  the  yoke 
from  the  king's  neck  and  restore  the  crown  to  his  head. 
He  shall  walk  at  my  left  hand,  that  men  may  know  I 
honor  him  as  my  royal  brother.  But  there^s  still  one 
within  your  walls,  of  whom  folk  say  that  he  is  mightier 
than  any.  I  would  see  this  mighty  one.  They  say 
that  there  is  a  god  within  your  walls,  whose  countenance 
ye  hide  behind  the  curtains  of  a  tabernacle,  for  that  no 
one  can  bear  to  look  upon  him.  To  me,  fear  is 
unknown,  and  I  wish  to  enter  his  presence,  that  I  may 
behold  him.     I  will  not  lay  hands  on  his  altar,  nor 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  199 

touch  his  bread,  neither  will  I  covet  his  treasures.  One 
thing  only  do  I  ask,  that  I  may  enter  his  tabernacle, 
for  I  would  fain  set  eyes  on  him  who  hath  proved 
mightier  than  I."    Thus  spake  Nebuchadnezzar. 


Pashur 

Never!     Never! 

Hananiah 

The  fire  of  the  Lord  consume  him  for  the  sacri- 
legious thought. 


Pash 


UR 


Better  that  the  temple  should  crumble  to  dust,  than 
that  the  tabernacle  should  be  desecrated. 


Imre 

[In  consternation]     He  would  look  upon  the  holy 
j       of  holies!     Terrible  is  the  request. 


Pashur 

Unbounded  is  the  insolence  of  the  heathen  ruler! 
Dismiss  his  messenger.  Lord  King.  Send  back  the 
envoy. 

Hananiah 
Send  back  the  envoy.     Never  must  such  a  thir.g  be. 

Nahum 

Be  not  too  hasty,  O  King.  In  our  handy  lies  the 
welfare  of  the  nation. 


200  JEREMIAH 

Abimelech 
A  thousand  deaths  were  better  than  this  shame. 

Pashur 

I  will  face  death  with  you,  will  p&rish  in  the  midst 
o£  your  warriors. 

Hananiah 

[Savagely]  Dismiss  the  envoy.  Rather  death  than 
this  sacrilege. 

Imre 

Ye  talk  lightly  of  dying.  Bethink  ye  that  your 
pride  means  seventy  thousand  deaths. 

Pashur 
Would  you  profane  God's  holy  of  holies? 

Imre 
Life  is  part  of  God's  holiness.    God  himself  is  life. 

Hananiah 

It  would  be  an  everlasting  disgrace  could  the  heathen 
on  the  face  of  Jehovah." 

Nahum 

Let  our  foes  exult  j  let  our  pride  be  humbled.  So 
be  it,  if  the  city  outlast  our  pride  and  our  lives.  King 
Zedekiah,  save  Jerusalem! 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  201 

Hananiah 
Nay,  dismiss  the  envoy. 

Zedekiah 

I  am  naught  but  the  hand  holding  the  scales.  I  stand 
aloof  from  your  decision.  Make  up  your  minds. 
Count  your  votes.  Speed  ye,  that  the  matter  may  be 
settled  for  good  or  for  ill. 

Imre 

I  am  the  oldest  among  you.  My  word  is,  let  us 
comply  with  Nebuchadnezzar's  demands. 

Hananiah 
Let  us  refuse.    God  will  help  us.    Let  us  refuse. 

Pashur 

I  will  not  chaffer  with  God's  majesty.  Never  will 
I  consent  to  such  impiety. 

Nahum 
Let  God's  city  stand  for  ever.    Accept  the  terms. 

Zedekiah 
What  sayest  thou,  Abimelech? 


202  JEREMIAH 

Abimelech 

Not  for  me  to  advise  thee,  King  Zedekiah.  Not  for 
me,  who  am  but  thy  servant  and  thy  sword.  By  yes 
and  by  no,  in  life  and  in  death,  do  I  stand  by  thy 
decision. 

Zedekiah 

Two  votes  against  two,  and  in  my  own  mind  there 
are  voices  twain!  Conflict  without j  conflict  within.  I 
hold  aloof,  leaving  it  to  you  to  direct  my  will.  You 
cast  it  back  to  me  like  seadrift,  and,  trembling,  I  am 
still  constrained  to  decide.  Have  I,  indeed,  to  throw 
these  dreadful  dice? 

Pashur 

God  will  give  thee  light. 

Zedekiah 

Ah,  would  he  but  speak  to  me.  Happy  our  fore- 
fathers to  whom  he  appeared  in  a  cloud.  I  stretch 
forth  my  hands  towards  him,  but  still  for  me  the  voice 
of  heaven  is  dumb.  I  grope  in  the  darkness,  finding 
I  know  not  what.  Pray  for  me  that  I  may  be  rightly 
guided. 

Nahum 

Thou  hast  our  love,  O  King. 

ZedekiaM 

Time  presses.  Ere  the  night  is  spent  I  must  say 
yes  or  no;  where  perchance  no  is  yes,  and  yes  is  no.  God 
give  me  light.     [He  rises  to  his  feet  and  all  rise  with 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  203 

him]  Leave  me  to  myself.  The  cleavage  among  you 
increases  my  own  indecision.  I  shall  act  as  my  heart 
dictates,  and  it  may  well  be  that  ere  ye  reach  home  I 
shall  have  made  my  choice,  for  my  soul  travaileth. 
Pray,  friends,  pray,  that  my  choice  may  be  the  best 
for  Israel.    Pray  for  me,  pray  for  Jerusalem. 

Pashur 

God  give  thee  light.  I  shall  not  close  my  eyes  in 
sleep  until  thou  hast  chosen.  I  will  hold  vigil  before 
the  altar. 

Hananiah 
Remember  God. 

Nahum 
Remember  the  city. 

Imre 

Remember  the  children,  remember  the  women. 

Abimelech 
I  abide  by  thy  choice  in  life  or  in  death. 
[All  depart,  leaving  Baruch  and  the  king] 

Baruch 

[Quietly]  Shall  I,  too,  take  my  leave,  King 
Zedekiah? 

Zedekiah 

[Collecting  his  thoughts]  What  sayest  thou?  Nay, 
thou  must  remain. 


204  JEREMIAH 

[Baruch  stands  by  the  doorway  while  Zedekiah 
walks  restlessly  to  and  fro  for  a  time.  TheUy  -pausing 
by  the  window^  the  king  stares  over  the  town^  subse-^ 
quently  resuming  Ms  restless  facing.  At  length  he 
turns  and  sfeaks  to  Baruch] 


Zedekiah 
Nebuchadnezzar  demands  an  answer  to-day? 

Baruch 
Yea,  Lord  J  for  to-morrow  the  moon  is  full. 

Zedekiah 

\Paces  the  floor  again.  Then  abruptly^  Thou 
sawest  him  face  to  face.  Did  he  ask  thee  anything 
concerning  me? 

Baruch 

His  chief  counselor  and  his  scribe  were  present. 
The  former  asked  me  about  you,  but  Nebuchadnezzar 
bade  him  be  silent. 

Zedekiah 

Full  of  pride  is  he,  and  his  wrath  is  like  a  storm  over  , 
our  heads.  But  I  fear  him  not.  Himself,  he  asked  i 
nothing  concerning  me? 

Baruch 

Nothing,  Lord  King. 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  205 

Zedekiah 

To  him  we  are  naught.  To  him  our  walls  are  but  a 
handful  of  dust.  Yet  we  can  meet  defiance  with  defi- 
ance. For  eleven  months  he  has  been  breaking  his 
teeth  against  the  ramparts  of  the  city,  and  he  would 
dismiss  us  with  a  smile.  I  am  not  worth  a  word,  and 
he  rates  our  town  at  a  breath.  Nevertheless  my  yoke 
is  not  yet  ready  j  the  walls  of  Jerusalem  still  stand. 
We  have  taught  him  to  wait,  but  he  has  not  yet  learned 
his  lesson.  Shall  I  be  the  slave  of  his  caprices?  He 
would  tarry  but  a  day?  Let  him  tarry  for  weeks  and 
months.  [Drawing  himself  up]  Take  this  message 
to  Nebuchadnezzar.    Say  unto  him  .    .   . 

Baruch 
[In  alarm]    Decide  not  in  anger,  King  Zedekiah. 

Zedekiah 

[Rigid  with  astonishment]  How  darest  thou  inter- 
rupt me? 

Baruch 

[Kneels]  I  implore  thee,  save  Jerusalem.  Stretch 
forth  thine  hand  in  peace,  lest  the  walls  crumble  and 
the  temple  be  shattered.  Lord  King,  I  adjure  thee, 
open  the  gates,  open  thy  heart. 

Zedekiah 

[Wrathfully]  "Open  the  gates,  open  thy  heart". 
I  have  heard  those  words  before.    They  have  been  put 


2o6  JEREMIAH 

into  thy  mouth.     One  stands  behind  thee  speaking 
against  me  with  thy  voice. 


Baruch 

Nay,  Lord  King.  My  supplication  arises  from  the 
depths  of  my  heart.  Something  will  I  tell  thee,  which 
hitherto  I  have  withheld.  It  was  not  at  Nebuchad- 
nezzar's summons  that  I  went  to  him,  but  of  my  ow-n 
free  will,  hoping  that  I  might  soften  his  heart.    I  saw 

I  that  either  side  waited  for  the  other  to  propose  peace. 
Day  after  day,  for  eleven  long  months,  did  I  importune 

I  him  till  he  sent  me  with  this  message. 

Zedekiah 

Thou,  a  boy,  a  child?  While  we  were  holding  coun- 
sel, thou  soughtest  out  the  king  of  kings  to  seek  peace 
and  ensure  it? 

Baruch 

This  did  I,  O  King,  in  the  urgency  of  my  heart's 
wishes. 

Zedekiah 

[Regards  hitn  fixedly  for  a  time.  Then^  sfeaking 
sharply^     Not  thine  own  deed,  this,  nor  thy  thought. 

Baruch 
I  went  at  no  man's  orders. 

Zedekiah 

Thou  speakest  falsely.  No  boy  could  conceive  such 
3,  deed  for  himself. 


I 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  207 

Baruch 

I  swear  to  thee  that  I  did  it  unadvised.  He  knew 
naught  of  it,  neither  commanded  it  nor  approved. 

Zedekiah 
He?    Who  is  he  of  whose  orders  thou  speakest? 

Baruch 
[Evasively]    My  teacher,  my  master. 

Zedekiah 

Who  is  thy  master,  who?  I  would  know  who  issues 
commands  to  the  boys  of  this  city. 

Baruch 

God's  servant  and  prophet  is  my  master.  Men  call 
him  Jeremiah. 

Zedekiah 

[Furiously]  Jeremiah,  always  Jeremiah.  Ever  the 
shadow  that  follows  my  deeds,  ever  in  revolt  against 
me.  I  have  cast  him  into  a  dungeon,  but  still,  as  in  the 
beginning,  rises  his  clamor  for  peace.  Why  this  per- 
secution?    Why? 

Baruch 

Thou  art  mistaken.  Jeremiah  hath  more  love  for 
thee  than  for  any  other  in  this  town. 


208  JEREMIAH 

Zedekiah 

I  need  not  his  love.  I  spew  forth  his  love,  and  I 
despise  his  anger.  Who  is  he,  that  he  should  dare  to 
love  me?  Shall  one  venture  to  stand  up  in  the  streets 
and  give  tongue,  declaring  that  he  loveth  me,  or  loveth 
me  not?  Why  should  Jeremiah  push  in  twixt  me  and 
my  resolve?  Would  he  show  himself  the  greater  of 
us  twain?  I  am  the  king,  I  alone!  Let  him  cry, 
Peace,  peace!  Not  in  his  hand  lieth  the"  fate  of  Jeru- 
salem. I  am  king  in  Zion,  and  never  shall  he  boast 
that  he  frightened  me  with  his  dreams.  Better  the 
city  should  perish,  than  be  saved  by  the  hand  of  Jere- 
miah. Go  thou  to  Nebuchadnezzar  and  say  unto  him: 
Never  will  Zedekiah  bear  a  yoke.  Never  shall  the 
king  of  Ashur  raise  the  curtain  before  the  holy  of 
holies.  Nebuchadnezzar  may  come  with  all  his  menj 
he  will  find  Zedekiah  ready  to  meet  him. 

[Baruch  raising  both  hands  imploringly y  is  about  to 
speak,    Zedekiah  continues^ 

Not  a  word.  If  thou  failest  to  carry  my  message,  I 
will  have  Jeremiah's  head. 

\  A  gain  Baruch  endeavors  to  speak] 

A  single  word,  and  Jeremiah's  life  is  forfeit.  Away, 
I  command  thee,  away! 

[Baruch  stands  for  a  moment y  and  then^  veiling  his 
facey  -passes  out.  Zedekiah  draws  himself  up  threat- 
eningly when  Baruch  hesitates.  As  soon  as  the  young 
man  has  goney  the  king  lowers  his  outstretched  army 
and  his  countenance  is  once  more  shadowed  with 
anxiety.     Then  he  draws  a  deep  breath  and  speaks] 


II 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  209 

Zedekiah 
It  Is  finished.    No  longer  the  torture  of  indecision. 

[He  paces  to  and  fro  once  more.  Then  he  stamps 
twice.    JoAB  enter s\ 

JOAB 

The  king  calls? 

Zedekiah 

Wine,  bring  me  wine.  I  need  sleep,  deep  and 
dreamless  sleep. 

[JoAB  brings  a  pitcher  and  fills  a  silver  goblet. 
Zedekiah  empties  it  at  a  draught.  Then  he  listens^ 
and  his  face  is  again  clouded^ 

Who  is  walking  outside  there?  I  hear  footsteps. 
Does  the  spy  still  tarry? 

JoAB 

He  has  gone  forth,  Lord.  You  hear  the  sentry,  my 
brother  Nehemiah. 

Zedekiah 

Tell  him  to  tread  softly  when  he  is  on  guard  outside 
my  bedchamber  at  night.  I  need  sleep  just  as  much 
as  other  men. 

JOAB 

I  will  see  to  it,  Lord.  {He  draws  aside  the  curtains 
of  the  bed  and  veils  the  lamp.  Now  the  only  light  in 
the  room  comes  from  the  pale  '}noonbeams\  Shall  I 
read  from  the  scriptures,  Lord  King,  as  heretofore? 


210  JEREMIAH 

Zedekiah 

Nay,  not  even  the  scriptures  can  help  me.  I  would 
fain  sleep,  even  as  other  men  sleep.  My  lids  ache  and 
my  heart  aches  likewise. 

[JoAB  hel-ps  him  to  remove  his  outer  garment. 
Zedekiah  flings  himself  on  the  couch] 

JOAB 

God  guard  thy  slumbers,  O  King. 

[JoAB  calls  Nehemiah.  Silently  the  two  stand  at 
the  head  of  the  hedy  motionless  figures  holding  shears. 
In  the  m^oonlight  their  shadows  rise  in  giant  silhouettes 
on  the  wall.  The  only  sound  is  the  gentle  flashing 
of  a  fountain  in  the  court-yard] 

Zedekiah 

[Springing  up  with  a  wild  cry]  Why  do  ye  whisper 
together?     Did  I  not  command  ye  to  silence? 

JoAB 

[Alarmed]     We  said  nothing,  Lord  King. 

Zedekiah 

Some  one  is  talking.  Who  is  it  that  devours  my 
slumber?  All  should  sleep,  so  that  I  too  may  sleep.  Is 
there  anyone  awake  in  the  neighboring  rooms? 

JOAB 

No  one,  Lord  King.  Nor  anywhere  throughout  the 
palace. 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  2 1 1 

Zedekiah 

So  I  alone  hold  vigil.  Why  should  all  the  burden 
be  laid  upon  me?  All  the  walls  of  the  city,  all  the 
towers  of  care?    Get  me  wine. 

[JoAB  fills  the  goblet  once  more.  Zedekiah  drains 
it  and  flings  it  away.  With  a  groan  he  lies  down  again. 
All  is  still  save  for  the  murmur  of  the  fountain.  Zede- 
kiah, who  has  been  lying  motionless  on  the  bedy  now 
very  quietly  sits  wp  in  the  gloom.  Crouching  like  a 
wild  beast  about  to  springy  he  listens  intently.  Then 
he  suddenly  screams^ 

Zedekiah 

Some  one  is  speaking.  I  hear  a  voice  which  drones 
unendingly.  I  have  given  orders  that  none  shall  speak 
in  my  house.  The  voice  is  chanting.  But  I  have  for- 
bidden that  any  should  sing  under  my  roof.  Do  ye  not 
hear  it? 

JOAB 

I  hear  nothing,  Lord. 

Nehemiah 
No  sound  has  reached  me. 

Zedekiah 

\Glares  at  the  two  lads.  Crouching  he  listens  for  a 
m^omenty  and  breaks  forth  again]  I  hear  it,  I  tell  you; 
an  interminable  monotone.  Listen,  Joab,  here  where 
I  am  listening.  It  is  somewhere  beneath  us,  burrowing 
like  a  mole  in  the  darkness  of  my  slumber,  devouring 
my  sleep.     Canst  not  hear,  lad? 


212  JEREMIAH 

JOAB 

[Listens  intently  for  a  moment^  and  then  shudder s\ 
I  hear  a  voice  rising  from  the  depths.  Like  the  voice 
of  one  singing.  The  spirits  of  the  deep  are  awake 
beneath  the  house.  The  voice  laments  and  moans  like 
a  caged  beast. 

Nehemiah 

Perchance  it  is  but  the  wind  moaning  through  a 
cranny. 

Zedekiah 

I  hear  words  j  I  feel  them  without  understanding 
them.  Who  dares  to  sing  by  night  in  my  house?  Is  it 
so  well  with  my  slaves  that  they  must  sing  while  I  toss 
sleepless?     Away,  Joab,  and  silence  the  disturber. 

[JoAB  hastens  out.  Zedekiah  crouches ^  listening. 
He  seems  at  first  to  hear  something.  Then  he  raises 
his  heady  and  subsequently  lowers  it  to  listen  once  more. 
Suddenly  three  dull  blows  are  heard.  The  king  listens 
eagerly.    He  draws  a  breath  of  relief] 

God  be  praised,  the  voice  is  stilled. 
[Joab  reenters  with  troubled  mien] 
Who  was  talking? 

Joab 

[Trembling]  I  know  not.  Lord,  I  did  not  find  him. 
As  I  neared  the  marketplace,  the  noise  of  singing  came 
to  me  louder,  rising  as  it  were  from  the  depths  of  the 
earth.  I  followed  the  direction  of  the  sound.  There 
was  no  one  singing  in  the  marketplace.  The  utterance 
had  a  hollow  ring,  as  if  it  came  from  a  well  or  from  a 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT 


213 


pit.  Now  I  could  hear  the  words,  and  they  were  ter- 
rible. Thrice  did  I  strike  the  ground  with  the  haft 
of  my  spear.    Then  was  the  Gehenna  silent. 

Zedekiah 
What  were  the  words? 

JOAB 

[Shuddering]    I  dare  not  repeat  them. 

Zedekiah 
Tell  me  the  words,  I  command  thee. 


JoAB 
It  was  blasphemy  that  rose  from  the  pit. 

Zedekiah 
Repeat  the  words,  if  you  fear  my  anger. 


JOAB 

[Complies.    His  voice  rises  in  a  fsahn\ 

I  have  forsaken  mine  house, 

I  have  cast  off  mine  heritage  j 

I  have  given  the  dearly  beloved  of  my  soul 

Into  the  hand  of  her  enemies. 

My  tears  run  down  like  a  river  day  and  night,  j 

For  grievous  is  the  affliction  i 

Of  the  daughter  of  my  people.  i 


Tu;^- 


214  JEREMIAH 

Zedekiah 
[With  a  loud  cry]     Jeremiah!     Always  Jeremiah. 

JOAB 

[Continuing  to  chant  as  if  inspired] 

He  hath  given  up  into  the  hand  of  the  enemy 

The  walls  of  her  palaces; 

They  have  made  a  noise  in  the  house  of  the  Lord, 

As  in  the  day  of  a  solemn  feast. 

He  hath  .  .  . 

Zedekiah 

Be  still,  be  still.  I  will  hear  no  more.  Always  Jere- 
miah, and  again  Jeremiah.  Wherever  I  go  he  stands 
at  the  cross  roads;  his  challenge  rings  behind  all  my 
doings;  he  forces  his  way  into  my  dreams,  and  feeds 
my  indecision.  How  can  I  outrun  this  terrible  shadow? 
He  cries  to  me  even  from  the  pit.  Who  will  free  me 
from  him? 

JoAB 

Lord,  if  he  be  thine  enemy,  say  the  word  .  .  .  [He 
makes  a  movement  with  his  spear] 

Zedekiah 

[Startled  out  of  his  anger y  looks  at  the  lad  wonder- 
ingly.  Then,  with  awakening  pride]  Thou  wouldst 
.  .  .  Nay,  I  fear  him  not.  I  fear  no  man.  Nor  am  I 
certain  if  he  be  my  enemy.  I  was  foolish,  perhaps,  to 
flee  from  him.  Who  can  tell?  [He  paces  the  room] 
Joab! 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  215 

JOAB 

My  Lord? 

Zedekiah 

Go  forth,  taking  with  thee  thy  brother  Nehemiah. 
Open  the  pit  a^id  bring  hither  the  man  ye  will  find 
there.  None  must  know  that  he  enters  and  leaves  the 
palace. 

[JoAB  and  Nehemiah  fass  out.  The  king  solilo- 
quizes in  low  tones] 

At  every  cross  road,  behind  my  back,  always  too  late 
and  always  compelling  me  to  listen.  Why  did  I  appeal 
only  to  God,  who  vouchsafes  me  no  answer?  Why 
did  I  not  hearken  to  those  who  say  that  he  declares  his 
will  through  their  mouths?  But  wherefore  do  they 
speak  with  conflicting  voices?  How  could  I  discern 
the  false  from  the  true?  Dread  is  this  God  who  will 
not  break  silence,  and  whose  messengers  cannot  be  cer- 
tainly known. 

[Jeremiah  enters  acconi'panied  by  the  two  lads.  At 
a  sign  from  Zedekiah,  Joab  unveils  the  lamp.  Then 
he  and  Nehemiah  withdraw.  Jeremiah  is  pale  and 
emaciated.  His  dark  eyes  flash  from  a  white  and  bony 
face  J  looking  almost  as  if  set  in  a  skull.  He  regards 
the  king  with  a  questioning  calm.  After  a  momentary 
embarrassment  the  king  speaks] 

Zedekiah 

I  sent  for  thee,  Jeremiah,  to  ask  why  thou  dost  dis- 
turb my  rest.  Why  singest  thou  in  the  night  when 
others  sleep? 


2i6  JEREMIAH 

Jeremiah 

He  may  not  sleep  who  watches  over  the  people.    The 
Y    Lord  hath  appointed  me  to  watch  and  to  give  warning. 

Zedekiah 

Jeremiah,  I  have  summoned  thee  to  hold  counsel 
with  me.  No  man  knoweth  that  to  this  end  I  have 
drawn  thee  from  the  pit  where  thou  hast  been  pris- 
oned.   Wilt  thou  advise  me  truly? 

Jeremiah 
God  helping  me,  I  will. 

Zedekiah 

Know,  then,  what  none  other  knows  save  my  inner- 
most counselors.  An  envoy  has  come  from  Nebuchad- 
nezzar, seeking  to  end  the  war  between  our  nations. 

Jeremiah 

[Exultantly]      God  be  praised!     Open  the  gates, 
open  thy  heart  to  humbleness. 

Zedekiah 

Rejoice  not  too  soon.  Hard  are  the  terms  and 
measureless  is  the  arrogancy  of  the  king  of  Ashur. 

Jeremiah 
Arrogant  hast  thou  been  towards  him,  therefore  must 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  2 1 7 

thou  accept  arrogancy  in  return.     Put  compulsion  on 
thy  heart,  so  thou  save  Jerusalem  from  destruction. 


Zedekiah 
He  asks  my  honor. 

Jeremiah 
Sacrifice  thine  honor  for  the  city. 

Zedekiah 
Is  not  honor  my  office j  is  not  pride  my  crown? 

Jeremiah 

If  they  be  truly  thine,  cast  them  from  thee.  Peace 
is  better  than  honor  j  suffering  is  better  than  death. 

Zedekiah 
He  would  bow  my  neck  beneath  a  yoke. 

Jeremiah 

Blessed  is  he  who  suffers  for  allj  who  suffers  that 
all  may  live.    Bow  thy  neck,  and  save  the  city. 

Zedekiah 

I  should  bring  shame  on  all  the  kings  whose  throne 
is  my  heritage  j  I  should  disgrace  the  mantle  of  my 
forefathers. 


21 8  JEREMIAH 

Jeremiah 

Think  no  longer  of  those  who  have  been.  They  are 
dead,  and  worms  have  eaten  them.  Think  of  the  city 
and  of  those  who  now  live  therein. 

Zedekiah 

Not  me  alone  will  Nebuchadnezzar  abase,  but  God 
also. 

Jeremiah 

God  smiles  at  those  who  would  abase  him.  Open 
the  gates,  open  thy  heart  to  humbleness. 

Zedekiah 

Nebuchadnezzar  would  enter  the  holy  of  holies 
which  none  may  approach. 

Jeremiah 

God  will  avert  it,  should  it  be  his  willj  thou  canst 
not  avert  it.  Open  the  gates,  open  thy  heart  to 
humbleness. 

Zedekiah 

[Angrily]  Thy  wisdom  is  stubbornness;  thy  counsel, 
insolence.  With  deaf  ears  dost  thou  hearken,  and 
thine  answer  is  hard  as  flint. 

Jeremiah 

Am  I  to  laud  thy  blindness,  to  approve  whatever  thou 
sayest?      Feigning  to  ask  counsel,  thou  wouldst  have 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  219 

naught  but  flattery.  May  my  tongue  consume  away 
in  my  mouth,  my  bones  fall  apart,  ere  I  praise  thy  folly 
and  cease  from  crying  against  thy  blindness. 

Zedckiah 

Why  railest  thou  thus,  when  thou  hast  not  yet  heard 
my  purpose? 

Jeremiah 

I  know  thy  purpose.  With  words  dost  thou  fawn  on 
me,  whilst  thy  will  is  set  up  against  me.  Wouldst 
mock  me,  and  play  with  God's  word?  Thou  hast  not 
summoned  me  to  help  thee  decide.  Long  ere  this  has 
the  message  been  signed  and  sealed  within  thy  soul. 
Thou  mayst  deceive  thyseli.  King  of  Israel,  but  me 
thou  canst  not  deceive. 

Zedekiah 
Jeremiah ! 

Jeremiah 

Yea,  verily,  I,  Jeremiah,  say  unto  thee,  the  king: 
Thou  dealest  falsely  with  me,  and  thy  words  are  a 
blind.  No  longer  is  thy  will  free,  nor  dost  thou  truly 
desire  me  to  influence  thy  decision. 

Zedekiah 
[Unsteadily]  How  canst  thou  know  this? 

Jeremiah 

Thy  lips  betray  thee.  Thou  quailest  before  my 
wrath  like  a  guilty  man.     Fain  wouldst  thou  tempt  me 


220  JEREMIAH 

to  approve  thy  decision,  to  lift  the  guilt  from  thy 
shoulders.  Woe  unto  him  who  tempts  men,  for  he 
tempts  the  god  that  is  in  men. 

Zedekiah 

\HesitateSy  greatly  moved.  Then  he  sfeaks  in  low 
tones]  Much,  indeed,  is  it  given  thee  to  know, 
Jeremiah.  Too  true  are  thy  words.  My  will  is  no 
longer  free.  I  have  delivered  my  message  to  the 
envoy. 

Jeremiah 

Recall  it!      Save  the  city. 

Zedekiah 
He  is  on  his  way  to  Nebuchadnezzar. 

Jeremiah 
Send  for  him!     Bring  him  back! 

Zedekiah 
Too  late.     The  advice  comes  too  late. 

Jeremiah 

Hasten  after  him.  Pursue  him  with  runners  and 
riders. 

Zedekiah 

It  is  too  late.  By  now  my  message  must  have 
reached  the  king  of  Ashur. 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  221 

Jeremiah 

[Hides  his  face,  lamenting]  Woe,  woe  unto  Jerusa- 
lem, woe  unto  Jerusalem! 

Zedekiah 

[Drawing  near  him  in  alarm-]  What  ails  thee 
Jeremiah? 

[Jeremiah  does  not  heed  the  king.  Sobs  shake  his 
frame.  Soon,  howevery  he  draws  himself  up  once 
more.  Now  his  gaze  is  fixed  on  the  distance.  He 
speaks  as  in  a  dream y  raising  his  hands y  like  one 
inspired] 

Jeremiah 

How  art  thou  fallen  from  heaven, 

Jerusalem,  sun  of  the  morning! 

Thou  hast  said  in  thine  heart, 

I  will  ascend  into  heaven, 

I  will  ascend  above  the  heights  of  the  clouds. 

Alas,  thou  art  fallen  from  glory, 

Art  sunken  in  darkness  and  night. 

Zedekiah 

[Calls  to  him  loudly y  hoping  to  awaken  him  from 
the  trance]  Jeremiah! 

Jeremiah 

What  star  was  brighter  than  thine. 
Thou  city  of  Jacob, 
Thou  fortress  of  David, 


222  JEREMIAH 

Thou  tabernacle  of  Solomon, 

God's  treasure  and  his  holy  house? 

Who  could  herald  thy  ways,  who  could  signal  thy 

praise? 
All  happy  the  psalteries,  the  cymbals  grew  light, 
With   sounding   thy   triumphs   from   niorning   till 

night. 

Zedekiah 
Thou  ravest,  Jeremiah j  awake,  awake! 


Jeremiah 

[  Unheeding]  How  still  art  thou  now,  my  beloved. 

Thy  brightness,  say,  where  hath  it  gone? 

The  voice  of  the  bridegroom  and  the  voice  of  the 

bride 
No  longer  are  heard  among  thy  houses. 
The  market  hath  become  desolate. 
Quenched  are  the  voice  of  joy, 
The  voice  of  gladness. 
The  sound  of  flute  playing. 
And  the  song  of  the  maidens. 
A  slayer  hath  fallen  upon  thee, 
An  avenger  from  the  north. 
Waste  places  are  thy  streets. 
Nettles  grow  in  thy  pleasant  places, 
Thorns  and  brambles  in  the  palace  of  thy  kings. 
Alas,  thy  walls  are  laid  low. 
All  thy  towers  are  broken  downj 
Shamefully  overthrown 
Is  the  everlasting  heart  of  thy  sanctuary. 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  223 

Zedekiah 

Accursed  one,  thou  liest!     High  and  hale  stand  the 
walls  of  Jerusalem. 

Jeremiah 

[  With  growing  frenzy  ]  Every  head  hath  been  shorn, 

Every  beard  hath  been  dipt. 

The  mothers,  wearing  sackcloth. 

Tear  the  flesh  from  their  cheeks, 

Wailing: 

"Where  are  my  sons,  where  are  my  daughters?" 

Woe  is  me! 

The  dead  bodies  of  the  sons 

Lie  like  dung  in  the  streets 

Where  they  have  perished  by  the  sword; 

The  daughters  have  been  strangled  with  their  own 

hair. 
And  the  women  with  child  have  been  ripped  up. 
The  jackals  of  the  wilderness  are  gorged, 
The  ravens  weary  with  feasting. 

Zedekiah 
Be  silent,  be  silent!      Thou  liest! 

Jeremiah 

What  availeth  it  to  seek  safety  in  thorny  thickets, 
To  flee  from  death  into  the  burning  fissures  of  the 

rock? 
They   hunt   thee   with   horses,   with   companies   of 

spearmen. 
Track  thee  down,  and  with  sticks  beat  the  coverts  for 

their  game, 


224  JEREMIAH 

Drive  thee  forth  from  the  crannies  with  firebrands 

and  smoke, 
Pursue  thee,  and  seize  thee,  and  slay. 
They  ravish  the  women,  they  slaughter  the  elders, 
Just  men  are  made  slaves  of  their  lowliest  bondsmen. 
Made  servants  of  servants  the  daughters  of  kings. 


Zedekiah 
Hold  thy  peace,  liar,  lest  my  wrath  smite  thee! 

Jeremiah 

[Lamenting]    Jerusalem,   virgin   and   daughter   of 

Judah, 
The  heathen  make  mock  of  thy  pitiful  plight. 
Woe  is  me  that  I  must  look  on  thine  affliction. 
All  thine  enemies  have  opened  their  mouths  against 

thee, 
Laughing,  and  hissing,  and  gnashing  their  teeth. 
Saying: 

"We  have  swallowed  her  up! 
"Is  this  the  city  that  men  call 
"The  perfection  of  beauty, 
"The  joy  of  the  whole  earth? 
"Verily  we  have  laid  her  low. 
"Certainly  this  is  the  day  we  looked  for, 
"We  have  found  it, 
"We  have  seen  it." 

Zedekiah 

[Beside  himself  with  rage^  clenching  his  f,sts\   Be 
silent,  liar,  I  will  listen  no  longer. 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  225 

Jeremiah 

Jerusalem,  holy  city  of  the  Lord, 

Cradle  of  the  nations,  treasure  of  the  world! 

Who  will  extol  thee,  who  now  will  search  thee  out? 

A  legend  of  the  ages  hast  thou  become, 

A  fable  and  a  proverb  among  the  peoples. 

Ah,  I  see  .    .   . 

Zedekiah 
Raving  madman,  naught  more  shalt  thou  see. 


Jeremiah 

I  see  thy  suffering,  I  witness  thy  death, 
I  see  .   .   . 

Zedekiah 

[Grappling  with  him^  bursts  out  in  a  fury\  Naught 
more  shalt  thou  see!      I  will  have  thee  blinded. 


Jeremiah 

\S tares  around y  as  if  suddenly  and  dreadfully  awak- 
ened. Then  laughing  loudly y  he  chants  with  renewed 
frenzy^  Me? 

Blind  me?      Nay,  ruthless  one. 

Not  such  is  the  purpose  of  God. 

Know  well  that  one  shall  be  blinded 

Ere  these  days  draw  to  a  close. 

'Tis  one  with  eyes  that  see  not. 

With  ears  that  will  not  hear. 

Yet  hearken  now,  King  Zedekiah! 

[Zedekiah   releases  Jeremiah,   and   regards   him 


226  JEREMIAH 

With   amazement   and   terror.      Jeremiah   raises   his 
hands  in  denunciation,  and  continues^ 

Thee 

Shall  they  seize, 

The  servants  of  Ashur, 

Seize    thee    in    God's    temple    which    thou    hast 

destroyed. 
They  tear  thee  away  from  the  horns  of  the  altar, 
To  which  thy  hands  cleave  in  the  vain  hope  of  help. 
Naught  availeth  thy  sword,  for  they  break  it  in 

sunder, 
Then  bind  thine  arms  straitly  with  fetters  of  brass, 
Haling  thee  forth  and  the  stairway  adownj 
Like  a  beast  for  the  sacrifice  scourging  thee  onj 
To   him   will    they   bring   thee    whose    hand    thou 

rejectedstj 
To  him  will  they  bring  thee  whose  yoke  thou  hast 

broken. 
To  him  who  thy  fiery  doom  will  have  spoken. 

[Zedekiah  has  retreated  several  steps y  and  makes 
gestures  as  if  to  avert  the  threatened  fate\ 

To  thy  knees  as  they  force  thee  with  curses  and 

blows, 
In  the  air-blast  the  furnace  roars  fiercely  and  glows. 
Now  the  iron  is  heated,  gleaming  red,  flashing  white. 
In  thine  eyeballs  they  plunge  it,  the  scorching  steel. 
Thy  flesh  smokes  and  hisses,  thy  senses  reel. 
God's  daylight  has  vanished  in  infinite  night. 

[Zedekiah  screa^nSy  and  cla'ps  his  hands  to  his  eyes 
as  if  blinded\ 

But  ere  thy  sight,  in  a  fiery  mist 
Of  blood  and  tears,  is  forever  gone, 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  227 

Thy  sons,  by  the  sharp  sword  fiercely  kissed, 

Shall  be  slain  in  thy  presence,  one  by  one, 

As  the  headsman's  blade  flashes  through  flesh  and 

through  bone. 
Bootless  thy  struggles j  the  slaves  hold  thee  fast! 
The  first  falls,  the  second,  the  third  and  last! 
They  are  sped,  and  thy  weeping  and  wailing  are  vain. 
Their  blood  drenches  the  ground,  while  thou,  in  thy 

pain. 
Ere  the  burning  steel  seareth  the  sight  from  thine 

eyes, 
Seest  how  Israel's  race  and  kingship  dies. 


Zedekiah 

[Groping  his  way  across  the  room  like  a  blind  many 
staggers  to  the  couch.  Now  he  puts  up  his  hands 
beseechingly^  Mercy!     Have  mercy! 


Jeremiah 

By  thy  cries  all  in  vain  will  the  darkness  be  riven. 
As  thou  liftest  thy  hands  to  the  unseen  heaven, 
God's  mercy  imploring!      God  no  mercy  will  show 
To  the  king  whose  false  pride  Zion's  temple  laid  low„ 
He  casteth  thee  down  among  worms  which  are  blind. 
Which  crawl  on  their  bellies,  each  after  his  kind. 
With  despised  and  rejected,  the  sick,  the  forsworn, 
Shalt  thou  walk,  Zedekiah,  debased  and  forlorn, 
Consorting  with  lepers,  with  halt  and  with  lame. 
Among  outcasts  the  poorest.      Thus  thy  pride  God 

shall  tame. 
With  beggars  shalt  harbor  j  a  beggar  thyself. 


228  JEREMIAH 

Wearing  sackcloth  and  ashes,  shalt  pass  through  the 

land. 
Those  who  know  thee — once  splendent  in  power  and 

in  pelf, 
King  erstwhile  in  Zion — uplifting  the  hand, 
Shall  curse  thee,  Zedekiah. 

Zedekiah 

\Utterly  crushed  by  the  adjuration^  has  colla'psedy 
groaningy  on  to  the  couch.  Now  he  slowly  rises,  and 
contemplates  Jeremiah  blankly]  What  a  power  is 
entrusted  to  thee,  Jeremiah.  Thou  hast  broken  the 
strength  of  my  limbs.  The  very  marrow  is  frozen  in 
my  bones.     Terrible  are  thy  words,  Jeremiah. 


Jeremiah 

[He  has  awakened  from  his  trance,  and  the  fire  In 
his  eyes  is  quenched]  Poor  are  my  words,  Zedekiah. 

^     Weakness  is  all  my  strength.     I  know,  but  cannot  act! 

f\l  ■   ■ -^ 

Zedekiah 
Why  didst  thou  not  come  to  me  sooner.? 

Jeremiah 
I  was  ever  at  hand,  but  thou  couldst  not  find  me. 

Zedekiah 

Thou  hast  filled  my  heart  with  dread,  yet  I  bear  thee 
no  grudge.     There  must  be  no  quarrel  betwixt  us  twain 


>N 


VOICES  IN  THE  NIGHT  229 

who  stand  in  the  shadow  of  death.  Get  thee  back 
whence  thou  hast  come.  Thou  shalt  not  lack  food,  for 
I  will  share  my  last  crust  with  thee.  Let  none  know 
of  our  converse,  save  God.  [Jeremiah  turns  to  go\ 
Stay,  Jeremiah.  Must  the  fate  be,  which  thou  hast 
foretold?  Jerusalem,  my  Jerusalem.  Canst  thou  not 
avert  it? 

Jeremiah 

\Gloomily'\  Naught  can  I  do  to  avert  it.     I  can  only 
prophesy.      Woe  upon  the  impotent. 


Zedekiah 

{After  a  pause]  Jeremiah,  I  did  not  want  war.  I 
was  forced  to  declare  war,  but  I  loved  peace.  And  I 
love  thee  because  of  thy  love  for  peace.  Not  with  a 
light  heart  did  I  take  up  arms,  but  before  I  lived  there 
was  war  under  God's  heaven,  and  there  will  be  war  after 
I  am  dead.  I  have  suffered  greatly,  as  thou  canst 
testify  when  the  time  comes.  Be  thou  near  me  when 
thy  words  are  fulfilled. 


Jeremiah 

I  will  be  near  thee,  Zedekiah,  my  brother.  [Slowly 
he  averts  his  face  from  the  king  and  moves  towards  the 
doorway] 

Zedekiah 

Jeremiah!  [Jeremiah  turns]  Thou  hast  cursed 
me,  Jeremiah.      Bless  me  now,  ere  we  part. 


230  JEREMIAH 

Jeremiah 

[After  a  moment's  heshationy  strides  back  and  holds 
his  hands  over  the  king}  The  Lord  bless  thee,  and  keep 
thee  in  all  thy  ways.  May  the  light  of  his  countenance 
shine  upon  thee,  and  may  he  give  thee  peace. 

Zedekiah 
[As  in  a  dream}  May  he  give  us  peace. 


THE  SUPREME  AFFLICTION 


SCENE  SEVEN 


I  gave  my  back  to  the  smiters,  and  my  cheeks  to  them 
that  pluck  off  the  hair:  I  hid  not  my  face  from  shame 
and  spitting.    Isaiah  L,  6. 


SCENE  SEVEN 

The  following  morning;  the  great  square  before  the 
temple.  A  large  crowdy  consisting  chiefly  of  women 
and  children^  is  swarming  up  the  steps  leading  to  the 
palace,  shouting  and  screaming.  The  leaders  of  the 
mob  have  reached  the  palace  door,  and  are  hammering 
on  it  with  their  fists. 


The  Doorkeeper 

[Appearing  through  a  wicket  which  he  closes  behind 
him]  Are  you  still  there?  I  have  told  you  already 
that  no  more  bread  will  be  given  out  to-day. 


A  Woman 
But  I  am  hungry. 

A  Second  Woman 

You  gave  me  one  tiny  loaf  for  my  three  children,  a 
loaf  no  larger  than  my  fist.  Look  at  my  little  girl 
here;  see  how  skinny  her  fingers  are.  [She  lifts  the 
child  to  show  him] 

A  Third  Woman 

Look  at  mine  too.      [She  also  shows  her  child] 

235 


236  JEREMIAH 

Confused  and  Angry  Voices 

I  am  hungry. — Give  me  bread. — We  are  hungry. — 
Bread. — Bread. 

Another  Voice 

Let  us  have  the  keys. 

Voices 

Yes. — Give  us  the  keys. — Open  the  storehouses. 

The  Doorkeeper 

[Pushing  back  the  foremost  among  the  mob]  Away 
with  you!  The  king's  orders  are  that  everyone  shall 
have  a  loaf  at  daybreak.  Then  the  storehouses  are  to 
be  closed. 

A  Voice 
I  got  no  loaf. 

Other  Voices 
Nor  I,  nor  I. 

A  Woman 

You  could  hardly  see  minej  and  I  have  a  child  at  the 
breast.     Justice! 

A  Second 
Mine  was  full  of  sand  and  gravel. 

A  Third 

They  are  not  the  same  loaves  we  used  to  get.  We 
are  being  cheated.     Justice! 


THE  SUPREME  AFFLICTION  237 

The  Doorkeeper 
Nahum  treats  you  all  alike.    He  is  perfectly  fair. 

A  Voice 

Where  is  he? 

Other  Voices 

Where  is  he?  We  want  to  see  him. — Let  him  show 
himself. — We  will  talk  to  him. — He  is  a  thief. — 
Where  is  he? 

Another  Voice 

[Shouting  stridently]  He  sits  at  home  and  fattens 
up  his  own  household.    They  bake  cake  for  themselves. 

A  Second  Voice 
Yes,  the  rich  have  hoarded  all  they  need. 

Voices 

While  we  go  hungry. — Bread  for  the  poor. — Bread, 
bread. 

The  Strident  Voice 

The  king  has  golden  dishes  filled  with  dainties.  In 
the  palace  they  would  rather  throw  their  leavings  to 
the  dogs  than  feed  our  children. 

A  Voice 
I  don't  believe  that. 


238  JEREMIAH 

Other  Voices 

Yes. — Yes. — I  have  seen  them  do  it. — My  sister 
says  they  do. — Where  is  Nahum? — Give  us  bread. 

[Gradually  the  voices  fuse  into  a  single  shout  for 
bread.  The  mob  thronging  the  steeps  grows  more 
threatening.  Some  of  those  in  the  front  ranks  are 
about  to  seize  the  doorkeeper y  while  others  continue  to 
beat  on  the  closed  door.  The  doorkeeper  blows  a 
trumpet^ 

Abimelech 

[^Hastening  from  the  palace y  attended  by  a  number 
of  soldier s\  Away  with  you.  Push  them  back.  Down 
the  steps.      Clear  the  entrance  to  the  palace. 

\The  soldiers  use  the  hafts  of  their  spears  freely ^ 
and  the  mob  yields  ground y  pamcstricken\ 


Voices 

He  struck  me. — They  are  killing  us. — Where  is  my 
child?— Help.— Help! 

[  The  crowd  forms  again  at  the  foot  of  the  steps y  and 
faces  Abimelech  angrily\ 


Abimelech 

Are  you  all  mad?  The  enemy  is  attacking  us. 
Since  dawn  I  have  been  on  the  ramparts  to  marshal  the 
defence,  and  you  meanwhile  are  raising  a  tumult  at  our 
backs.     What  would  ye,  rabble? 


THE  SUPREME  AFFLICTION  239 

Voices 

Bread. — ^We  are  hungry. — Bread. — Our  children 
have  nothing  to  eat. 

Abimelech 

Everyone  has  had  his  loaf. 

Voices 
Not  I. — They  left  me  out. — Not  enough. 

Abimelech 

The  town  is  besieged.  You  must  make  the  most  of 
what  you  have.     We  are  at  war. 

Voices 
There  is  not  enough  bread. — ^We  are  hungry. 

Abimelech 

Well,  be  hungry!  We  are  shedding  our  blood  for 
you.  The  city  must  be  our  first  care.  [Trying  to 
hearten  them  wp  he  exclaims]  Jerusalem  for  ever! 

A  Voice 
[Half-heartedly]  Jerusalem  for  ever! 

The  Strident  Voice 

Who  or  what  is  Jerusalem?  Has  Jerusalem  a 
stomach?  Has  Jerusalem  blood?  The  stones  and  the 
walls  are  not  Jerusalem.      We  are  Jerusalem. 


240  JEREMIAH 

Voices 

Yes,  we  are  Jerusalem. — Give  us  life. — Give  us 
food. — Feed  our  children. — What  is  Jerusalem  to  me.? 
I  want  bread. 

Abimelech 

[Stamping  fiercely]  Be  silent,  all.  Back  to  your 
homes.  Why  do  you  loiter  in  the  marketplace?  Do 
you  not  know  that  we  are  at  war? 

A  Woman 
Why  are  we  at  war? 

Voices 

Yes,  why? — Why  are  we  at  war? — ^Let  us  make 
peace. — Peace. — Peace. — Bread. 

The  Strident  Voice 

Was  it  not  well  with  us  under  Nebuchadnezzar? 
Was  not  his  yoke  light?      Were  not  our  days  pleasant? 

Voices 

Yea,  yea. — Peace  with  Nebuchadnezzar. — End  the 
war. — Down  with  the  war. — A  curse  on  him  who  began 
the  war. 

A  Woman 

It  was  Zedekiah's  doing.  He  wanted  war  to  help 
his  friends  the  Egyptians. 


II 


THE  SUPREME  AFFLICTION  241 

Voices 

Yes,  he  has  betrayed  us. — While  we  su£Fer,  he  lies 
at  ease  among  his  wives. 

Abimelech 

Who  dares  to  slander  the  Lord's  anointed?  He  is 
ever  in  the  forefront  of  the  battle. 

The  Strident  Voice 
It  is  false. 

Abimelech 

Who  says  it  is  false?  Let  him  stand  forth  and  face 
my  sword.  Who  says  it?  [The  crowd  is  silent^ 
Beware  of  slanderers!  Now  then,  off  home  with  you. 
Let  those  who  can  fight,  man  the  walls. 

« 

Voices 

[Frofn  the  bach\  Nahum,  Nahum!  Here  he  comes. 
\The  crowd  surges  round  Nahum]  Nahum,  good 
Nahum. — Give  us  bread. — Bread. — Bread. — You  will 
treat  us  fairly. — Help  us. — Good  Nahum. 

Nahum 
\Elhow'mg  his  way  through  the  press]  Let  me  pass! 

The  Crowd 

[Follows  him  up  the  steps]  Nahum!     Nahum! 


242  JEREMIAH 

Abimelech 

I 

Back!      Stand  back. 

[The   soldiers   raise   their   sfearSy   and   the   crowd 
shrinks  away  to  the  foot  of  the  steps] 

Nahum 
What  would  ye? 

A  Voice 
Open  the  storehouses. 

Nahum 

The  storehouses  are  empty.     Each  of  you  has  a  loaf 
every  day.     That  must  suffice. 

Voices 
I  have  had  no  loaf. — Nor  I. — Open  the  storehouses. 

Nahum 
I  tell  you  they  are  empty. 

The  Strident  Voice 
Let  us  see  for  ourselves. 

Voices 

Yes,  let  us  see  for  ourselves. — I  don't  believe  it, — 
Open  the  storehouses. — Let  us  see  for  ourselves. 


II 


THE  SUPREME  AFFLICTION  243 

Nahum 
I  swear  to  you  .   .   . 

The  Strident  Voice 

When  we  see  we  will  believe.  We  have  been 
cheated  too  long. 

Voices 

They  are  all  cheats,  the  priests,  the  king,  all. — Give 
up  the  keys. — How  they  lied  when  they  prophesied 
victory.  \_T he  voices  become  more  menacing^  Where 
are  the  Egyptians? — Zedekiah  promised  that  the 
Egyptians  would  help  us. — Where  are  the  signs  and 
wonders? — Bread,  bread,  bread. — Give  up  the  keys. 

\The  mob  surges  up  the  steps  once  m-ore^  surround- 
ing Nahum  and  endeavoring  to  snatch  the  keys] 

Nahum 
Help,  help! 

Abimelech 

[Beating  them  back,  aided  by  his  men]  Down,  down! 

A  Voice 
Oh,  I  am  wounded.     See,  I  bleed! 

Abimelech 

For  the  last  time.  To  your  homes!  Clear  the 
marketplace,  or  I  shall  use  my  sword. 


244  JEREMIAH 

The  Strident  Voice 

The  marketplace  and  the  city  belong  to  us. 

[A  messenger  ap-pears  at  the  hack  of  the  crowd] 

Messenger 
Abimelech!,     Where  is  Abimelech? 

Abimelech 
Here. 

The  Crowd 
There  he  is,  the  wretch,  the  murderer! 

Messenger 

Help,  Abimelech.  They  have  broken  in  at  Moria 
Gate. 

[Cries  of  terror  arise  from  the  crowd] 

Abimelech 

[Cutting  a  path  through  them  with  his  sword]  Make 
way,  make  way. 

[He  strides  off.  Doorkeeper,  Nahum,  and  the 
soldiers  withdraw  through  the  wicket] 

[The  crowd  becomes  chaotic.  Previously  it  had 
been  animated  by  a  definite  will.  Now  its  units  form 
a  confused  medley  of  horror-stricken  persons,  giving 
vent  to  hardly  intelligible  cries  of  terror  and  distress] 


THE  SUPREME  AFFLICTION  245 

Voices 

They  have  broken  in  at  Moria  Gate. — All  is  lost. — 
My  wife. — My  children. — God  help  us. — To  the 
temple. — Elijah,  Elijah! — Where  shall  we  hide? — 
What  will  become  of  us? 

A  Voice 
To  the  walls!,     Man  the  walls! 

A  Man 

[Rushing  in]  We  are  betrayed!  The  king  has  fled! 
We  are  lost! 

Voices 

We  are  betrayed. — We  are  lost. — Where  is  the 
king? — Where  are  the  priests? — Where  is  Hananiah? 
—  Revenge,  revenge.  —  Death  is  upon  us.  —  The 
Chaldeans. 

The  Strident  Voice 
Curses  upon  the  king! 

Voices 
[Fiercely]  Curses  upon  the  king! 

The  Strident  Voice 

A  curse  on  the  priests!  A  curse  on  the  prophets!' 
They  lied  to  us  one  and  all. 


246  JEREMIAH 

Voices 
Yes,  curse  them  every  one! 

The  Strident  Voice 

They  persecuted  those  who  warned  us,  those  who 
counseled  peace. 

A  Voice 

They  persecuted  Jeremiah. 

A  Second  Voice 
Yes,  Jeremiah  told  us  what  would  happen. 

Voices 

He  warned  us. — He  wanted  peace. — In  this  very 
place  he  shouted  for  peace. — I  heard  him. — He  is  the 
true  prophet. — Everything  has  happened  as  he  fore- 
told. Where  is  Jeremiah? — Fetch  Jeremiah.  He 
will  help  us. — Where  is  he? — Where  is  he? 

A  Voice 
They  have  prisoned  him  in  the  pit,  here  In  the  palace. 
[Cries  of  fury  arise  from  the  crowd] 

Voices 

Set  him  free. — He  will  save  us. — Force  the  doors. — 
Jeremiah,  Jeremiah!  God  has  sent  him  to  help  us. — 
Jeremiah,  man  of  God,  come  to  our  aid. — Down  with 


THE  SUPREME  AFFLICTION  247 

the  false  prophets. — God  spoke  through  Jeremiah. — 
Bring  an  axe  to  force  the  door. — Jeremiah  shall  be 
king. — Where  is  our  saviour? 

[For  a  time  nothing  can  he  heard,  hut  the  cry^ 
Jeremiah,  Jeremiah,  and  the  noise  made  hy  the  heating 
of  axes  and  staves  upon  the  door.  Suddenly  the  door 
is  opened  and  the  doorkeeper  appear s\ 


Doorkeeper: 
What  would  ye? 

The  Crowd 
Let  us  pass. — ^Jeremiah,  Jeremiah! 
\The  Doorkeeper  is  thrust  aside] 


Doorkeeper: 
Help,  help! 

[Part  of  the  moh  disappears  through  the  doorway ^ 
and  from  within  is  heard  the  noise  of  doors  heing 
broken  down  with  axes.  Those  who  remain  on  the 
steps  are  tense  with  excitement  and  impatience] 

Voices 

[From  within]  The  dogs  have  lowered  him  into  the 
pit. — They  were  afraid  of  him. 

Voices 

[From  the  steps]  He  is  a  holy  man. — He  is  the 
chosen  of  the  Lord. — Jeremiah  will  save  us  all. 


248  JEREMIAH 

A  Woman 

[Frenzied  zvilh  excitement]  He  stretched  forth  his 
hand  and  cried,  Peace.  God's  fire  breathed  from  his 
lips.  His  brow  shone  like  that  of  an  angel.  He  will 
save  us. 

Another  Woman 

Could  I  but  look  upon  his  blessed  face  once  more. 
It  will  shed  light  over  Jerusalem. 

[Cries  come  from  within] 

Voices 

They  have  found  him, — He  is  saved. — We  are 
saved. — God  will  help  us. — Jeremiah!     Jeremiah! 

[Reappearing  frorn  within ^  the  rest  of  the  crowd 
brings  Jeremiah  triumphantly  to  the  top  of  the  steps. 
He  stands  with  his  hand  shielding  his  eyes  from  the 
light] 

Voices 

[Ecstatically]  Holy  One! — Master! — Samuel. — 
Elijah.  —  Prophet.  —  Save  us,  Jeremiah.  —  King. — 
Anointed  of  the  Lord. — Israel  hear  his  words.— 
Jeremiah. 

The  Frenzied  Woman 

[Throwing  herself  at  his  feet]  Why  do  you  hide 
your  face?  Your  glance  brings  healing.  Look  on  this 
child  of  mine  that  it  may  grow  hale.  Look  upon  us 
all  that  we  mav  arise  from  death. 


THE  SUPREME  AFFLICTION  249 

Jeremiah 

[Slowly  withdraws  his  hand  from  his  eyes.  His  gaze 
is  serious  and  even  gloomy y  as  he  contemplates  the 
agitated  and  ex-pectant  throng\  The  light  is  strange  to 
my  eyes,  and  burns  them.  Strange,  too,  is  this  love 
you  show  me,  and  it  burns  my  soul.     What  would  ye? 

The  Crowd 

Save  us,  Jeremiah,  anointed  of  the  Lord. — Save  the 
city. — ^Be  our  king. — Show  a  miracle. 

Jeremiah 
Your  words  are  dark  to  me.     What  is  your  will? 

The  Crowd 

\All  speaking  at  once]  Moria. — The  fortress  of 
Zion. — Save  Jerusalem, — A  miracle. — We  are  lost. — 
You  are  our  shepherd. — Save  us. — Save  Jerusalem. 

Jeremiah 
Speak  one  at  a  time. 

The  Woman 

[Again  throwing  herself  at  his  feet]  Holy  One, 
anointed  of  the  Lord,  star  of  our  hope!  Stretch  forth 
your  hand  and  save  Jerusalem.  What  you  foretold 
hath  been  fulfilled.     The  Chaldeans  are  upon  us. 


25Q  JEREMIAH 

A  Voice 
They  have  broken  down  Moria  Gate. 

A  Second  Voice 
Our  men  have  been  defeated. 

A  Third  Voice 
[Despairingly]  Save  Jerusalem,  or  we  perish. 

The  Crowd 

[Taking  up  the  cry]  Save  Jerusalem,  or  we  perish. 

[Jeremiah  stands  motionless,  hiding  his  face  in  his 
hands] 

The  Woman 

We  would  take  vengeance  on  your  enemies  j  we 
would  tear  the  faces  of  those  who  have  reviled  you. 
Have  pity  on  us,  you  who  are  our  saviour  and  our  hope. 

A  Voice 
Who  shall  save  us  unless  it  be  you? 

The  Strident  Voice 

The  priests  have  betrayed  us.  The  king  has  sold  us 
to  the  enemy. 

Jeremiah 

[Indignantly]  It  is  false!  Why  slander  ye  the 
king? 


THE  SUPREME  AFFLICTION  251 

Voices 

Zedekiah  has  forsaken  us. — Where  is  he? — ^Why 
does  he  not  come  to  our  help? — He  has  fled. 

Jeremiah 
[Vehememly]  It  is  not  true. 

Voices 

It  is  true. — ^They  led  us  into  this  war. — ^They  have 
sacrificed  us. — ^We  wanted  peace. — ^Let  us  have  peace. 

Jeremiah 

Tardily  comes  your  longing  for  peace.  Why  do  ye 
put  your  transgressions  on  the  king's  shoulders?  Ye 
clamored  for  war. 

The  Crowd 

No,  not  I. — No,  not  I. — It  was  the  king. — Not  I. — 
Not  one  of  us. 

Jeremiah 

Ye  all  wanted  war,  all,  all!  Your  hearts  are  fickle, 
and  ye  sway  in  the  wind  like  reeds.  The  very  ones 
who  now  shout  for  peace,  I  have  heard  howling  for 
war.  Those  who  raise  their  voices  against  the  king, 
hounded  him  on  to  the  fray.  Woe  unto  you,  O  people! 
Ye  speak  with  two  voices,  and  drive  before  every  breeze. 
Ye  have  fornicated  with  war,  and  shall  now  bear  the 
fruit  of  war.  Yejiave  played  with  the  sword,  and 
shall  now  taste  its  edge. 


252  JEREMIAH 

Voices 

Alas,  he  spurns  us. — Jeremiah,  be  merciful  to  us  in         |j 
our  distress. — Aid  us  in  our  wretchedness. 

Jeremiah 

No  man  can  help  you.  Help  cometh  from  God 
alone. 

The  Strident  Voice 

God  has  forsaken  us. 

The  Crowd 

Yea,  God  has  forsaken  us. — Where  is  he? — ^Where 
is  the  covenant? 

Fugitives 

[Rush  -past  shouting]  The  enemy  is  within  the  gates. 
Abimelech  is  slain. 

The  Crowd 

[Shrieks  with  terror ^  and  then  appeals  once  more  to 
Jeremiah]  Hearken,  hearken! — We  are  lost! — Show 
a  miracle,  a  miracle. 

Jeremiah 

[Despairingly']  What  would  ye  that  I  should  do? 
Am  I  to  stretch  forth  my  bare  hands  against  the 
enemy? 

The  Crowd 
[Ecstatically]  Yea,  yeaj  that  do,  and  save  us. 


THE  SUPREME  AFFLICTION  253 

Jeremiah 

Think  ye  then  that  I  can  drive  back  those  whom  God 
sendeth  against  you? 

The  Crowd 

Yea,  yea. — You  can. — You  must. — You  can  do  what 
you  will. 

Jeremiah 
Naught  can  I  do.     Naught  against  the  will  of  God. 

The  Crowd 
You  can  save  Jerusalem. — Show  a  miracle. 

Jeremiah 

[Fiercely]  Were  it  in  my  power  to  work  against 
God's  will,  verily  I  would  not  do  so.  Tempt  me  not. 
I  am  on  God's  side,  not  on  yours.  Whatever  he 
decrees,  I  bow  myself  before  him. 

Voices 
Alas,  he  spurns  us. — He  forsakes  us. 

Jeremiah 

[In  growing  excitement]  To  him,  v/hose  purposes 
are  fixed,  do  I  cling,  spurning  you,  fickle  ones.  Not 
your  will  be  done,  but  his.  Whatever  thy  will.  Lord, 
I  submit.  Let  Jerusalem  perish,  so  it  be  thy  will,  I 
submit.  [Cries  of  horror  from  the  crowd]  Let  thy 
temple  fall,  so  it  be  thy  will,  I  submit.     [The  crowd 


254  JEREMIAH 

bursts  into  furious  exclamations]  Let  the  towers  crash, 
let  thy  people  be  scattered  like  dust  and  its  very  name 
vanish  from  the  earth,  let  my  body  be  given  over  to 
shame  and  my  soul  to  torment,  so  it  be  thy  will,  1 
submit.  Lord,  I  submit. 

The  Crowd 

He  raves. — Strike  him  down. — He   is   mad. — He 
rains  curses  on  us. — Silence  the  traitor! 


Jeremiah 

[In  a  trance]  Whatsoever  thou  doest.  Lord,  I  submit. 

Whatsoever  thou  sendest,  I  glorify  thy  name. 

Rain  down  on  me  terrors  uncounted. 

Thine  anger  I  welcome,  I  seek  not  to  hide. 

Break  my  heart!     Burst  the  gates!     Raze  the  walls! 

With  fire  consume  thine  own  altar. 

To  defend  which  now  myriads  fall! 

Rejecting  thy  people,  the  chosen. 

Turn  thy  face  from  me  too  in  thy  wrath! 

From  the  depth  of  my  sorrow  I  cling  to  theej 

Though  thou  slay  me,  I  trust  thee  in  death. 

The  Crowd 

[Shouting  fiercely]  Traitor. — He  is  cursing  us. — He 
prays  for  our  death.      Stone  him. — Stone  him! 

Jeremiah 

[More  frenzied  than  every  as  he  daunts  the  menac- 
ing and  turbulent  mob  voith  the  fire  of  his  enthusiasm^ 


1 


THE  SUPREME  AFFLICTION  255 

Not  my  will,  Lord,  but  thine  be  done! 

Thou  hast  led  me  into  darkness  j 

I  have  known  many  afflictions  j 

Lord,  I  will  bear  all  patiently. 

Pour  out  the  vials  of  thine  anger, 

Break  my  bones,  close  mine  eyes, 

Fill  up  the  measure  of  my  suflFerings, 

Pressed  down  and  running  over, 

Still  am  I  thy  faithful  servant, 

For  art  not  thou  the  Most  High? 

The  more  thou  visitest  me  with  wormwood  and  gall. 

The  more  will  I  testify  to  thine  abounding  love. 

Let  me  double  the  martyrdom  thou  wouldst  impose, 

Let  me  kiss  the  rod  that  striketh  the  blows, 

Let  me  thank  the  hand  that  bruiseth  my  flesh. 

Let  me  praise  the  brand  that  seareth  my  flesh. 

Let  me  bless  the  death  wrought  by  foes  without  pity, 

Let  me  bless  the  destruction  befallen  thy  city, 

Let  me  bless  bitterness,  slavery,  shame. 

Let  me  bless  the  enemy,  bless  in  thy  name. 

Lord  to  thy  wishes  I  humbly  bow! 

To  accept  all  thy  sendings  I  fervently  vow! 

Lord,  hear  my  words  j  Lord,  prove  me  now! 


The  Crowd 

[Cutting  him  short]  Traitor. — Stone  him. — He 
blesses  our  foes. — He  prays  for  our  enemies. — Stone 
the  blasphemer,  stone  him. 


The  Strident  Voice 
[Dominating  the  rest]  Crucify  him!     Crucify  him!     O 


256  JEREMIAH 

The  Crowd 

\^Echoing  the  cry  and  rushing  up  the  steps]  Crucify 
him!  Nail  the  blasphemer  to  the  cross. — Stone  the 
traitor. — Crucify  him! 

Jeremiah 

[In  ecstasy,  stretching  out  his  arms  as  if  on  the  cross] 
Let  God^s  will  be  done.    Come  hither,  draw  near, 
Nail  my  limbs  to  the  cross,  pierce  my  side  with  the 

spear. 
Spit  upon  me,  and  scourge  and  revile  me. 
Break  my  bones,  and  debase  and  defile  me, 
Thus  shall  I  be,  for  one  and  for  all, 
A  trespass  offering  made  for  Israel! 
Seize  me,  then,  seize  j 
Let  my  sacrifice  please 
Jehovah,  his  anger  yet  stemj 
And  save,  even  now,  save  Jerusalem. 

[The  crowd  surges  round  him.  Some  grasp  his 
limbs,  while  others  strive  on  his  behalf  and  endeavor 
to  free  him] 

Voices 

Crucify  him! — Stone  him! — He  blasphemes. — A 
curse  upon  Jeremiah! — Crucify  him. 


Other  Voices 

Let  be. — The  spirit  of  God  is  upon  him. — He  is 
beside  himself. — Harm  him  not. 


THE  SUPREME  AFFLICTION  257 

Jeremiah 

[Amid  the  tumult  he  continues  to  stretch  out  his 
arm^s  as  if  on  the  cross^ 

But  why  do  ye  tarry?      Thrice-blessed  day! 

The  price  of  martyrdom  fain  would  I  pay. 

For  suffering  I  am  athirst. 

Let  me  die  the  death  accurst. 

Who  hangs  on  the  cross  in  mortal  pain, 

The  world's  eternal  welfare  shall  gain, 

Saviour  and  intercessor,  he, 

With  arms  outstretched  on  the  cruel  tree. 

His  lips,  trembling  with  anguish  till  death  bring 

release, 
Shall  speak  the  redeeming  message  of  peace  j 
His  sighs  to  melody  shall  give  birth. 
His  torment,  to  love  everlasting  on  earth. 
His  death  shall  bring  lifej  his  sorrows,  forgiveness. 
Though  his  flesh  know  corruption,  his  body  decay. 
Yet  his  soul,  winging  heavenward, 
Beareth  all  our  sins  Godward, 
The  glorious  messenger,  he,  of  man's  new  day! 
Ah,  were  I  but  that  herald  of  deliverance! 
My  spirit  is  on  fire!      Lo,  I  pray: 
Crucify  me,  oh,  crucify  me! 

[With  wild  cries  they  seize  himy  and  begin  to 
carry  him  away,  buffeting  him  as  they  go\ 

Voices 

Crucify  him! — Let  him  taste  the  death  he  yearns 
for. — He  is  our  enemy. — Crucify  him. — Stone  him! 

[At  this  moment  a  number  of  fugitives  rush  into  the 
market-place  in  wild  disorder ^  throwing  away  their 
weapons  as  they  run] 


258  JEREMIAH 

Fugitives 

The  walls  are  down. — The  enemy  is  in  the  city. 
The  Chaldeans  have  gained  the  day. — Israel  is  lost. 

More  Fugitives 
Abimelech  is  slain. — All  is  lost. — Jerusalem  is  fallen. 

Yet  More  Fugitives 

[In  full  flight]  They  are  hard  on  our  heels. — To 
the  temple. — All  is  lost. — Israel!  Israel. — Alas  for 
Jerusalem. 

[The  crowd  joins  the  fugitives y  uttering  shrieks  of 
terror.  Jeremiah  is  forgotten.  The  whole  city 
seems  to  ring  with  cries  of  despair  and  the  noise  of  vain 
attempts  at  flight] 


Ik 


THE  CONVERSION 


1 


SCENE  EIGHT 

My  desire  is  that  Job  may  be  tried  unto  the  end. 
Job  XXXIV,  36. 


SCENE  EIGHT 

A  vast  cry  ft  with  shutters  and  doors  closed  so  that 
the  damp  underground  space  is  hut  dimly  lighted. 
Fugitives,  wan  and  careworn,  are  crouching  and  lying 
on  the  stone  flooring.  Some  of  them  have  gathered 
round  an  elder  who  is  reading  from'  the  scriptures.  In 
the  background  lies  a  wounded  man,  tended  by  a 
woman.  Remote  from  the  rest,  sitting  on  a  piece  of 
masonry,  and  as  motionless  as  if  he  were  himself 
carved  out  of  the  rock,  is  Jeremiah,  his  face  buried  in 
his  hands.  He  plays  no  part  in  what  is  going  on,  so 
that  his  silence  is  as  it  were  a  rock  fixed  in  the  current 
of  plaints  and  disputes.  It  is  evening,  on  the  day  after 
the  taking  of  J erusalem.  As  the  elder  reads,  he  sways 
his  body  rhythmically  in  time  to  the  words,  which  are 
low  and  monotonous,  except  when  he  raises  his  voice  to 
express  despair  or  hope.  From^  time  to  time,  the  others 
take  up  the  responses. 

The  Elder 

\Reading\  Give  ear,  O  Shepherd  of  Israel, 
Thou  that  leadest  Joseph  like  a  flock  j 
Thou  that  dwellest  between  the  cherubims, 
Shine  forth!     Stir  up  thy  strength! 

The  Others 

[Murmuring  in  unison]  Shine  forth!  Stir  up  thy 
strength! 

263 


264  JEREMIAH 

The  Elder 

[Reading]  Give  ear,  O  Shepherd,  come  and  save  us. 
Cause  thy  face  to  shine,  and  v/e  shall  be  saved. 
How  long  wilt  thou  be  angry  against  the  prayer  of 

thy  people? 
Thou  feedest  them  with  the  bread  of  tears, 
And  givest  them  tears  to  drink  in  great  measure. 
O  God  of  hosts. 
Cause  thy  face  to  shine,  and  we  shall  be  saved. 

The  Others 
Cause  thy  face  to  shine,  and  we  shall  be  saved. 

The  Elder 

[Reading]    O    remember    not    against    us    former 

iniquities  J 
Let  thy  tender  mercies  speedily  prevent  us: 
For  we  are  brought  very  low. 
We  are  consumed  by  thine  anger. 
And  by  thy  wrath  we  are  troubled. 
Remember  not  against  us  our  former  iniquities. 
Remember  thy  covenant,  remember  thy  name. 
Appear,  Shepherd,  lead  thy  flock  home  3 
Shine  forth!      Stir  up  thy  strength! 

The  Others 
Shine  forth!      Stir  up  thy  strength! 

Other  Voices 

[Joining  in  fervently]  Cause  thy  face  to  shine,  and 
we  shall  be  saved. 


THE  CONVERSION  265 

The  Wounded  Man 

[Who  has  hitherto  been  fnoaningy  now  bursts  into  a 
loud  cry]  Oh,  oh,  I  am  burning.     Water!  Water! 

The  Woman 

[  Trying  to  soothe  him]  Be  quiet,  there's  a  good  man. 
For  God's  sake,  be  quiet,  or  they  will  hear  us. 

The  Elder 

Be  silent!  Control  yourself,  or  you  will  destroy 
us  all. 

Another 
They  will  slay  us  if  they  find  us. 

The  Wounded  Man 

Let  them  kill  me.  I  cannot  bear  it.  My  wound  is 
on  fire.     Water!      Water! 

A  Man 

We  must  silence  him.  His  cries  will  betray  our 
hiding  place. 

The  Woman 

Touch  him  not.  He  is  my  brother.  I  bore  him 
hither  from  the  walls.  [She  kneels  beside  him]  Dear, 
I  implore  you  to  stifle  your  cries.  I  will  fetch  you 
some  water.  Take  my  kerchief  and  muffle  your  mouth 
in  it. 


266  JEREMIAH 

YThe  wounded  man  does  so.  His  cries  fall  to  a 
whisper.  The  others^  most  of  whom  have  stood  up 
in  their  excitement y  settle  down  again] 


A  Voice 
Go  on  reading,  Pinchas.      God^s  word  consoles  ja§^ 

Another  Voice 
Go  on  reading  about  the  promise. 

Other  Voices 

Yes,  read  us  about  the  Messiah  j  about  the  rod  that 
shall  come  forth  out  of  the  stem  of  Jesse. — Read  about 
the  saviour. — Our  hearts  are  thirsting  after  the  dew  of 
the  word. 

[The  Elder  takes  up  the  roll  once  more^  and  is 
about  to  resume  his  readingy  when  there  combes  a 
knocking.      All  start] 

A  Woman 
[Alarmed]  Someone  knocks! 

The  Others 
They  are  there! — They  have  tracked  us. 

A  Man 

It  is  not  on  the  outer  door,  but  from  the  secret 
entrance,  which  is  known  to  our  own  folk  alone.    Open! 


THE  CONVERSION  267 

The  Women 
No!  No,  there  are  traitors  among  us.     Let  be! 

The  Elder 

Silence!  [He  cautiously  approaches  a  door  hidden 
among  buttresses^  Who  is  there? 

Voice 
[From  without^  Zephaniah! 

The  Elder 

It  is  Zephaniah,  my  son-in-law,  whom  we  sent  forth 
for  news. 

[He  draws  hack  the  bolty  and  a  man  enters ^  helmeted 
and  garbed  like  a  Chaldean.  All  rush  towards  hitn, 
Jeremiah  alone  remaining  motionless] 

Voices 

What  has  happened? — Have  you  seen  Neter,  my 
son?  Tebiah,  my  wife? — Have  they  burned  down 
my  house? — Where  is  the  king? — What  has  happened 
to  the  temple?  Do  you  know  anything  about  my 
husband,  Ishmael? — What  is  happening  outside? 

The  Elder 

Be  silent  all.  Let  Zephaniah  speak,  for  he  has  seen 
the  daylight  and  the  city. 


268  JEREMIAH 

Zephaniah 

Better  to  sit  in  darkness  than  to  see  what  I  have 
seen  J  better  still  to  weep  oneself  blind  j  even  better 
were  it  to  sleep  among  the  roots  of  the  trees  and  in  the 
bowels  of  the  earth.  David's  city  has  become  a  city 
of  the  dead  j  the  citadel  of  Solomon  is  utterly  destroyed. 

All 
Alas,  alas,  for  Jerusalem. 

Zephaniah 

The  corpses  of  our  brothers  lie  like  dung  in  the 
streets.  The  Chaldeans  are  stripping  the  bodies  of 
the  slain  J  they  have  rifled  the  tombs  of  the  kings  ot 
Judahj  and  for  the  purple  vesture  of  Solomon  they 
have  cast  lotsj  they  have  seized  the  bread  from  the 
holy  table  J  and  they  have  stolen  the  golden  candle- 
sticks from  the  walls. 

The  Elder 

[Rending  his  garments]  I  can  live  no  longer! 
Could  I  but  tear  my  bowels  as  I  tear  my  raiment. 

Voices 

Where  is  the  power  of  God? — The  covenant. — The 
promise. — Where  are  our  leaders? — Jerusalem  is  lost. 
— My  husband? — Whom  have  you  seen? — ^What  has 
become  of  Nahum? — What  has  become  of  .    .    . 


Zephaniah 
For  many  do  you  ask,  and  I  can  give  but  one  answer 


THE  CONVERSION  269 

for  them  all.      Of  the  nobles  of  Judah,  not  one  now 
looketh  on  the  light  of  day. 


Voices 

All    slain?       All? — Impossible! — Abodassar?  — 
Jehoiachin? — Hedassar? — Imre? — Nahum? 


Zephaniah 

Ask  me  no  more.    Their  troubles  are  over,  and  they 
are  with  God. 

Voices 

Nahum  too? — The  king's   sons? — My  brother-in- 
law  Absalom? 

Zephaniah 
None  are  left  alive.    Those  who  fell  not  at  the  wall 
were   slain  afterwards   by   Nebuchadnezzar's   officers. 
Zedekiah  alone  remains. 


Voices 

Zedekiah  still  alive? — Why  spare  him  more  than 
another? — He  has  betrayed  us. — Why  show  him  mercy 
when  all  the  rest  have  been  butchered? — Why  spare 
him? 

Zephaniah 

Honor  the  king!     Reverence  his  sufferings. 

Voices 
What  has  happened  to  him? — Is  he  a  prisoner? 


270  JEREMIAH 

Zephaniah 

Zedekiah  forced  his  way  through,  with  sixty  of  the 
bravest  who  hoped  to  renew  the  struggle  against  Ashur 
in  the  hills.  But  the  army  of  the  Chaldeans  pursued 
him  and  overtook  him  in  the  plains,  and  carried  him 
to  King  Nebuchadnezzar. 

Voices 
And  then? 

Zephaniah 

My  path  crossed  his.  I  saw  him  in  the  square  bound 
with  fetters  of  brass.  Before  his  eyes,  one  by  one, 
his  sons  were  put  to  the  sword.  Then  came  it  to  pass 
that  the  anointed  of  the  Lord  was  blinded  .    .    . 

Jeremiah 

[Suddenly  roused  from  his  impassivity  and  speaking 
in  horror-stricken  tones]    Blinded,  you  say?    Blinded? 

Zephaniah 
Who  is  this? 

Voices 

Do  not  speak  to  him. — Do  not  look  at  him. — He  is 
the  most  infamous  of  men. — A  curse  lies  on  him. — 
Utter  not  his  name. — Utter  not  his  name. 

Zephaniah 

Who  is  it  that  spake,  saying  "Blinded?"  I  am  sure  I 
know  the  voice. 


II 


THE  CONVERSION  271 

Voices 

Ask  not  his  name. — He  is  one  accurst. — He  is 
rejected  of  God. 

A  Woman 

He  is  the  curse  of  God,  sent  for  our  burning  torment. 
He  is  the  scourge  of  God. — Jeremiah,  Jeremiah! 

Zephaniah 

[  With  a  wild  outcry y  stretching  forth  his  hands  as  if 
to  thrust  away  something  horrible^     Jeremiah! 

Jeremiah 

Why  do  you  shrink  from  me?  What  are  you  afraid 
of?  There  is  no  longer  any  reason  for  fear.  My 
words  were  but  windj  my  force  is  spent.  Spew  me  out, 
and  go  on  your  way. 

Zephaniah 

I  tremble  before  you,  man  of  doom. — He  foresaw 
everything.  He  alone.  That  other  called  on  his 
name. 

The  Elder 
Who  called  on  his  name? 

Zephaniah 

[Utterly  crushed]  Zedekiah,  the  king.  They 
brought  him  in  chains,  held  him  fast  lest  he  should 
turn  away  his  head,  forced  him  to  watch  the  slaughter 
of  his  sons.     Fain  would  he  have  made  no  complaint. 


272  JEREMIAH 

He  bit  his  lip  and  was  silent  as  the  first  fell.  But  when 
they  seized  the  second,  he  moved  as  if  to  speak.  As 
the  third  was  struck  down,  a  word  escaped  from  his 
mouth.  Not  a  plea  for  mercy.  He  cried,  "Jeremiah, 
Jeremiah." 

[All  shudder] 

Thus  in  his  anguish  he  called  upon  Jeremiah.  When 
the  fiery  steel  pierced  his  eyes,  again  did  he  call  on  the 
name  of  Jeremiah,  saying:  "Jeremiah,  Jeremiah, 
where  art  thou,  revealer?  Where  art  thou,  Jeremiah, 
my  brother?"  Zedekiah  called  upon  his  name,  the 
name  of  him  who  had  foreseen. 

[They  shrink  away  from  Jeremiah,  as  from  a  dan- 
gerous beast] 

Jeremiah 

[Struggling  with  emotion]  It  is  false.  Not  by  my 
will  did  this  happen.  Let  him  not  dare  to  accuse  me. 
The  word  came  to  mej  what  I  said  was  struck  from 
me  as  we  strike  fire  from  flint.  I  wished  him  no  ill. 
God  made  me  a  liar,  resist  his  power  as  I  would.  Not 
mine  the  will  that  moved  me. 

Zephaniah 
What  is  he  talking  about? 

A  Woman 
Madness  hath  seized  him. 

Another  Woman 
He  raves. 


THE  CONVERSION  273 

A  Man 

Nay,  he  foretold  these  happenings.  A  sage  is  he, 
and  a  prophet. 

Jeremiah 

Why  should  the  king  accuse  me?  A  greater  power 
than  mine  constrained  my  utterance.  I  was  the  tool  of 
the  pitiless  one,  his  breath,  the  slave  of  his  malice.  He 
commanded,  and  I  had  to  obey,  for  his  strength  is 
greater  than  mine.  He  breathed  curses  into  my 
breath.  His  was  the  gall  in  my  speech,  his  the  bitter- 
ness in  my  spittle.  Woe  upon  the  hands  of  Godj 
whom  he  seizes,  shall  not  again  be  loosed.  Ah,  would 
he  but  set  me  free  from  his  curse,  that  no  longer  I 
might  have  to  speak  his  words.  [A  pause]  No  longer 
will  I  speak  his  words.  I  will  hold  my  peace.  [A 
pause]  God!  No  longer  will  I  obey  thy  behests.  I 
curse  thy  curses.  Lift  thy  hand  from  me,  take  the  fire 
from  my  mouth.     No  more  can  I  bear. 

Voices 

He  is  in  a  frenzy. — Look  how  convulsions  rack 
him. — He  is  twisted  with  pain  like  a  woman  in  labour. — 
Heed  not  his  words. — God  has  punished  him. 

[Jeremiah  sinks  to  the  ground  broken] 

Look,  look,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  hath  fallen  upon 
him. — Go  not  near  him  whom  God  hath  banned. 

\They  draw  farther  away  from  Jeremiah  and 
huddle  together.  Jeremiah  lies  like  a  felled  tree. 
For  a  few  moments  there  is  a  hush  of  despair.  This 
silence  is  broken  by  the  sound  of  a  distant  trumpet] 


274  JEREMIAH 

Zephaniah 
Alas,  they  draw  near,  the  heralds  of  disaster. 

The  Crowd 

[To  Zephaniah]  What  is  it? — ^What  has  hap- 
pened?— What  meaneth  this  siummons? 

Zephaniah 

'Tis  Nebuchadnezzar's  message  to  the  remnant  of 
the  people. 

Vdices 

Must  we  go  forth  to  hear  the  message? — Dare  we 
leave  our  shelter? — What  shall  we  do,  Zephaniah? 

Zephaniah 
No  need  for  haste.    Evil  tidings  ever  come  too  soon. 

Voices 
What  is  to  happen? — ^What  is  our  doom? 

Zephaniah 

It  is  the  will  of  Nebuchadnezzar  that  our  city  be 
utterly  destroyed. 

[There  is  a  wail  of  horror.  The  trumfet  is  heard 
once  tnorey  nearer^ 

Those  who  survive  must  go  as  slaves  to  Babylon. 


THE  CONVERSION  275 

Voices 
We  are  to  leave  Zion? 

The  Elder 
I  will  not  go.    Here  will  I  remain. 

Zephaniah 

Who  refuses  to  go,  shall  perish  by  the  sword.  All 
are  to  make  ready  for  the  journey  and  are  to  assemble 
in  the  marketplace.  Thrice  at  dawning  will  the  trumpet 
sound.  Thereafter,  anyone  who  lingers  in  the  city, 
is  to  be  slain. 

The  Elder 

Let  death  come!  I  will  not  go.  There  is  no  life 
for  me  away  from  Jerusalem.  The  grave  is  better 
than  slavery  in  a  far  country. 

A  Woman 

My  brother,  my  nephew,  and  my  husband  have  all 
been  slain.  Tombs  are  my  heritage,  and  this  heritage 
will  I  keep. 

A  Man 

I  shall  stay!  I  shall  stay!  Here  have  I  struck  my 
roots,  and  from  this  soil  alone  can  I  draw  strength. 
Palsied  would  be  my  arm  should  I  try  to  plough  the 
furrow  in  another  land,  and  my  eyes  would  not  serve 
me  in  a  strange  world. 


276  JEREMIAH 

Voices 

n  '  \  [In  the  enthusiasm  of  despair]  Let  us  stay. — Let 
I  us  choose  death. — Better  death  than  slavery. — Never 
\  will  we  go  into  exile. — Better  to  die. 

The  Wounded  Man 

[Half  rising]    No,  no. — Not  death  for  me.    Life  is 
js,  -         what  I  crave.     Exile  is  better^-than^-deaJiL.    I  cannot 
:/.  walk,  and  if  ye  stay  who  will  carry  me?     Do  not  for- 

sake me.     Life,  life! 

His  Sister 
Be  calm.     I  will  carry  you. 

The  Wounded  Man 

[Deliriously]  Yes  .  .  .  Let  us  go.  Let  us  leave 
these  mad  folk,  who  want  to  die.  Why  should  we 
seek  death? 

The  Elder 

His  body  is  parched  with  fever.  He  knows  not 
what  he  says. 

The  Wounded  Man 

[Fiercely]    I  know,  I  know.     I  have  been  near  to 
death,  and  would  rfither  live  than  die.    Better  to  burn, 
■X  better  to  suffer,  than  to  feel  nothing  at  all.     Whilg. 

there  is  life  there  is  hope.  "^ 

A  Young  Woman 

True,  true!  I  too  want  to  live.  My  life  lies  before 
me.    As  yet  I  have  seen  nothing,  felt  nothing.    Young 


THE  CONVERSION  277 

and  vigorous  are  my  limbs.  Death  is  cold,  life  is 
warm^  I  will  not  stay.  I  will  go  with  you,  anywhere, 
anywhere. 

Another  Woman 

Shameless  one,  are  you  willing  to  be  the  concubine 
of  an  enemy? 

The  Young  Woman 
Anything,  if  I  can  but  live. 

The  Wounded  Man 
Life,  at  any  cost  of  suffering. 

A  Man 

[Wildly]  No  life  without  God!  No  life  without 
Jerusalem! 

Voices 

Death  were  better. — Death  were  better. — Let  us 
not  accept  slavery. — Death  is  a  fearful  thing. 

[Again  the  trumpet  sounds y  now  close  at  hand] 

A  Voice 

Let  them  call,  I  will  not  hearken.  I  hear  the 
voice  of  death,  loud  and  clear  like  the  voice  of  God. 
We  must  not  heed  the  lure.  Better  to  perish  with 
Jerusalem. 

The  Elder 

I  hold  thee  fast,  city  of  Zion.  Weak  though  my 
hands,  still  do  I  cling  to  thee.      My  life  hast  thou 


278  JEREMIAH 

been,  be  also  my  death.  How  could  I  breathe  with- 
out thee,  how  open  my  eyes  in  the  morning  without 
being  able  to  look  upon  Solomon's  house  and  God's 
dwelling.  Rather  would  I  be  buried  in  thy  earth  than 
walk  at  large  in  another  landj  rather  would  I  lie  dead 
with  my  fathers  than  live  to  be  the  slave  of  the  heathen. 
Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  take  me  to  thy 
bosom.  As  I  have  been  with  thee  in  life,  let  me  be 
with  thee  in  death. 

Zephaniah 

In  this  you  and  I  must  part  company.  Death  has 
no  charms  for  me.  I  have  seen  too  many  dead  lying 
in  the  streets,  and  I  tell  you  that  life  is  better. 

The  Wounded  Man 

[Raising  himself]  Yea,  let  me  live,  to  feel  but  a 
grain  of  sand  between  my  fingers.  To  look  again  upon 
the  almond  blossoms,  to  see  them  open  as  night  falls. 
To  watch  the  moon  waxing  and  waning  in  its  passage 
across  the  starry  heavens.  Even  if  life  were  to  deny 
all  its  joys,  even  if  I  were  to  be  crippled  and  deaf, 
yet  still  might  I  look  upon  the  glorious  things  in  the 
world,  still  draw  the  breath  of  life.  Let  me  feel  my 
heart  beating,  the  warm  blood  coursing  through  my 
veins.    Give  me  life,  I  ask  nothing  more! 

The  Elder 

Shame  upon  you,  weaklings!  Would  you  live  with- 
out God? 

Voices 

God  will  be  with  us  wherever  we  go. — God  speaks  to 


THE  CONVERSION  279 

us  wherever  we  may  be. — Even  from  exile  our  voices 
will  rise  towards  him. — There  too  shall  we  be  faithful. 
The  light  of  his  countenance  shines  upon  all  roads. 


The  Elder 

Nay,  nay,  who  leaveth  Jerusalem,  leaveth  God 
behind.  Here  and  here  only  is  the  dwelling  of  Jeho- 
vah. Sacrifice  at  any  other  altar  than  this  can  be  naught 
but  idolatry. 

Voices 

[In  conflict]  No. — Yes. — God  is  everywhere. — He 
is  here  only. — He  will  reveal  himself  to  us  anywhere. 
— God  abides  nowhere  but  in  his  own  temple. — Any- 
where, everywhere. — Nowhere  but  in  Jerusalem  can 
we  look  upon  his  face. 


Jeremiah 

[Suddenly  springing  to  his  feety  with  an  awesome 
outburst]  God  is  nowhere!  Nowhere  at  all!  Who 
among  the  living  hath  seen  him,  who  hath  heard  the 
sound  of  his  voice?  Those  who  seek  him,  seek  him 
in  vain  J  those  who  created  him,  lied  before  the  faces 
of  men.  God  is  nowhere!  Neither  in  heaven,  nor  on 
earth,  nor  in  the  souls  of  men. 

The  Elder 

[His  jaw  has  dropped  in  amazement  and  horror.  At 
length  he  raises  his  hands  tremblingly  towards  heaven^ 
with  the  invocation]  Blasphemy!  Blasphemy!  Strike 
him  down  with  thy  lightnings. 


280  JEREMIAH 

Jeremiah 

[More  fiercely]  Who  hath  blasphemed  him,  if  it 
be  not  God  himself?  He  hath  broken  his  covenant, 
thrown  down  his  walls,  and  burned  his  own  temple. 
He  denies  himself  j  he  himself  blasphemes  Godj  he 
and  none  other! 

The  Elder 

Heed  him  not!  A  backslider  is  he,  and  an  outcast. 
Heed  him  not,  ye  servants  of  the  Almighty. 

Jeremiah 

[Still  more  fiercely]  Who  has  served  him  in  Israel 
as  I  have  served  him?  Who  within  Jerusalem's  walls 
has  been  more  faithful  than  I?  For  his  sake  I  left 
my  homej  for  his  sake  I  refused  to  comfort  my  mother 
in  death.  I  have  sacrificed  friendship  to  him,  and  for 
his  jealousy  have  I  forfeited  the  love  of  women.  I 
have  submitted  to  his  will  as  a  wife  submits  to  her 
husband.  The  words  that  I  spake  were  those  which  he 
put  into  my  mouth  j  his  was  the  blood  in  my  bodyj  my 
thoughts  were  the  children  of  his  willj  his  were  the 
dreams  that  visited  my  sleep.  I  gave  my  back  to  the 
smitersj  I  hid  not  my  face  from  shame  and  spitting. 
I  served  him,  I  served  him,  for  I  believed  that  through 
me  he  would  avert  the  evil  to  come.  I  cursed,  think- 
ing he  would  turn  my  curses  into  blessings.  I  prophe- 
sied, thinking  he  would  prove  me  a  liar,  would  save 
Jerusalem.  But  my  prophecies  have  been  fulfilled,  and 
God  is  proved  a  liar.  Woe  is  me  that  I  served  the 
faithless  one  so  faithfully!  He  sent  me  that  my 
brothers  should  laugh  me  to  scorn  while  I  spat  upon 
their  joys.     Now,  when  misery  has  befallen  them,  he 


THE  CONVERSION  281 

wishes  that  I  in  turn  should  mock  their  distress.  But 
I  do  not  laugh,  God!  I  will  not  laugh  at  my  brothers' 
torment.  Not  like  thee  can  I  rejoice  at  another's 
sorrow.  The  odor  of  the  slaughter-house  delights  not 
my  nostrils.  Too  harsh  for  me  is  thy  harshness,  too 
heavy  thy  hand!  No  longer  will  I  be  the  instrument 
of  thy  vengeance;  no  longer  will  I  serve  thee.  I  tear 
asunder  the  bond  between  thee  and  me.  I  tear  it 
asunder! 

Voices 

He  raves. — He  blasphemes. — Away  with  him. — He 
is  beside  himself. 

Jeremiah 

[In  an  ecstasy y  sfeaks  over  their  heads  into  the  void] 

Dumb  and  sinister  Being,  I  witness  against  thee! 

Be  thou  silent  no  longer,  witness  thou  against  me! 

Say, 

Have  I  ever,  I  charge  thee,  proved  backward  or 

loath? 
Have  I  ever,  I  charge  thee,  been  false  to  my  oath? 
Dumb  and  sinister  Being,  thy  silence  now  break. 
Ope  thy  mouth,  and  against  me  thy  parable  take. 
Thou  hast  sought  me  by  day  and  by  night  and  hast 

found  me. 
With  dreams  to  amaze,  and  with  fears  to  confound 

me. 
With  fire  my  soul  thou  hast  filled.    As  a  brand 
Spreading    flame,    spreading    flame    far    and    wide 

through  the  land. 
Hast  thou  driven  me  on.    'Twas  thy  will  not  mine. 
Made  me  stand  as  a  foe  'gainst  this  people  of  thine. 
I  was  the  hand  their  throats  fiercely  clamping. 


282  JEREMIAH 

I  was  the  hoof,  their  peace  roughly  down  stamping, 

I  was  the  saw,  their  limbs  ever  rending, 

I  was  the  goad,  bringing  torment  unending, 

I  was  the  terror,  the  vision  of  fright, 

I  was  the  nightmare  that  rode  them  by  night. 

In  their  bones  I  the  fire,  in  their  flesh  I  the  thorn, 

The  mockery,  likewise,  that  laughed  them  to  scorn  j 

For  relentless,  unfeeling,  as  any  dumb  beast. 

Made  mad  by  thy  will,  I  obeyed  thy  behest. 

Of  the  love  of  my  brothers  though  still  I  was  fain, 

Made  mad  by  thy  will,  I  but  cursed  them  again. 

Thus  quelling  compassion,  constrained  to  do  ill, 

I  spurred  myself  onward  thy  word  to  fulfil. 

Voices 

He  is  seized  with  the  frenzy  of  fever. — He  raves. — 
To  whom  is  he  speaking? — He  is  out  of  his  wits. 

Jeremiah 

But  I  renounce  my  allegiance! 

Resuming  my  freedom,  no  longer  a  thrall, 

I  nor  heed  thy  commandments  nor  answer  thy  call! 

Where    'twas   shrined   in   my   heart    I    thy   image 

discrown, 
And  from  out  thy  high  heaven  I  hurl  thee  adown! 
Thou  spurnedst  thy  people,  so  thee  too  I  reject} 
No  merciless  God  shall  compel  my  respect! 
For  why  is  it  seemly  that  reverence  be  paid 
To  a  god  who  gives  scorn  when  his  children  seek  aid? 
He  only  is  God  who  turns  sorrow  aside. 
Almighty  but  he  who  can  solace  provide! 
And  of  men  him  alone  may  we  prophet  proclaim 


THE  CONVERSION  283 

Whose  spirit  with  measureless  love  is  aflame, 
Whose  words  and  whose  deeds  teach  all  men  to 

know 
That  his  soul  with  compassion  is  ever  aglow. 
Now  to  me  my  purpose  in  life  is  plain, 
For  the  plaints  that  assail  thine  ears  all  in  vain 
Wring  my  heart  with  the  passion  of  infinite  pain. 
Come  cries  from  the  city  thine  anger  hath  burned. 
Come  cries  from  the  people  thy  hatred  hath  spurned. 
Come  cries  from  the  widows,  made  widows  by  thee, 
Come  cries  from  the  mothers,  made  childless  by  thee. 
From  the  king,  now  blind,  as  by  thee  ordained. 
From  thine  altar,  by  thine  own  self  profaned  j 
From  the  earth,  from  the  air,  the  message  is  sentj 
As  I  hearken,  with  anguish  my  bowels  are  rentj 
Appeals  from  the  living,  appeals  from  the  deadj 
As  I  hearken,  perforce  I  must  turn  my  head 
From  thee,  who  art  cold  and  unfeeling  as  stone, 
From  thee,  who  art  deaf  when  thy  children  make 

moan. 
To  my  brothers,  my  sisters,  who  are  bone  of  my  bone 
And  flesh  of  my  flesh,  those  whom  sorrows  invest. 
Those  whom  torments  afilict.    With  them,  none  but 

them. 
Can  my  spirit  find  peace  or  my  heart  be  at  rest. 
In  reverence  I  bow  before  them,  none  but  themj 
For  them,  tenderest  lovej  for  thee,  God,  naught  but 

hate! 

The  Elder 

He  hath  cursed  God.      Strike  him  down. 

Voices 
He  raves. — He  is  mad. — He  dreams. — 'Tis  danger- 
ous to  listen  to  him. — Silence  the  madman! 


284  JEREMIAH 

Jeremiah 

[Suddenly  kneels  and  apostro-phizes  the  other s\ 

My  brothers,  my  brothers,  forgive  me,  forgive 
The  vain  pride  of  a  man  now  unfitted  to  live! 
For  God,  none  but  he,  with  dreams  dazzled  my  eyes. 
With  words  he  confused  me,  with  signs  led  astray. 
Until,  to  an  evil  self-will  giving  way, 
I  believed  myself  prophet,  all-knowing,  all-wise! 
I  believed  myself  great  with  the  greatness  of  God, 
When,  invoking  his  name,  your  dooms  I  shrilled, 
When  with  his  curses  my  mouth  was  filled! 
But  lo,  I  abjure  him,  this  pitiless  God! 
Though  toward  you  I  proved  myself  arrogant,  vain, 
I  beseech  you,  my  brothers,  show  mercy  again. 
Though  my  curses  rained  down  on  you  many  a  day. 
Repulse  me  not  now — for  he  led  me  astray. 
There  is  naught  but  forgiveness  my  spirit  to  healj 
At  your  feet  now  abased,  craving  pardon,  I  kneel. 

\All  draw  away  from  htm  in  horror.      He  moves 
after  them^  without  rising  from'  his  knees] 

My  brothers,  my  brothers,  look  kindly  on  me! 

Well  assured  is  my  heart  that  we  brothers  be. 

And  I  the  least  worthy,  the  youngest  of  all ! 

Lo,  I  curse  you  no  longer,  but  breathe  benediction, 

Lo,  I  yearn  to  share  with  you  the  bread  of  affliction! 

Let  it  please  you,  my  brothers,  whatever  may  befall. 

That  I  love  you,  that  thanks  to  the  love  I  bear, 

No  more  word  of  mine,  I  swear  it,  I  swear. 

Shall  add  by  one  grain  to  your  load  of  care. 

In  atonement  for  wrongdoing  ask  what  you  will. 

The  m.eanest  of  services  glad  to  fulfil. 

As  the  slave  of  your  slaves  I  demand  only  this, 


THE  CONVERSION  285 

That  the  dust  from  your  shoes  I  may  thankfully  kiss. 
My  brothers  in  darkness,  my  brothers  in  grief, 
From  my  humble  repentance  withhold  not  belief. 
My  brothers,  my  brothers,  your  pardon  were  bliss. 

The  Elder 
Death  to  the  man  who  touches  him!      God  hath 
judged  him. 

Voices 

Accursed  of  God,  away. — Forth  from  among  us. — 
Poison  us  no  longer  with  thy  presence. — Away  liar, 
away! 

Jeremiah 

[  When  they  thrust  him  from  them^  cries  flalntively  ] 
Driven  out  like  a  leper!      {He  falls  prone] 

[There  is  a  peremptory  knocking  at  the  door] 

Voices 

The  heralds! — The  Chaldeans! — They  knock  like 
masters. — It  is  not  one  of  our  own  people.  {The 
knocking  hecom^es  more  hnperative]  What  impatience! 
— We  must  not  anger  him. — Do  not  unbar  the  door, 
for  they  are  all  robbers,  the  Chaldeans. — We  must  open 
to  him,  or  he  will  grow  angry. 

The  Elder 

I  will  open  the  door.  In  the  midst  of  life  we  are 
in  death. 

\He  cautiously  begins  to  open  the  great  door^  hut  as 


286  JEREMIAH 

soon  as  the  bar  is  down  one  of  the  leaves  is  violently 
fushed  open  and  Baruch  rushes  in.  The  Elder 
rebars  the  door] 

Baruch 

[His  face  working  with  anxiety]  Brothers,  is 
Jeremiah  here? 

The  Elder 
Name  him  not!      Speak  not  to  him. 

Baruch 
[Looking  around]  Jeremiah,  Jeremiah! 

Jeremiah 

[Slowly  rising,  stares  at  Baruch  as  if  he  were  a 
stranger]  Who  still  seeks  me?  Who  now  would 
tempt  me? 

Baruch 

Master  mine,  do  you  not  know  me?  Do  you  not 
recognize  my  voice? 

Jeremiah 

I  will  look  no  more  and  listen  no  more.  Away,  you 
who  still  breathe  the  breath  of  life!  Let  me  lie  and 
rot! 

Baruch 

Jeremiah,  beloved  master,  I  implore  you  to  collect 
yourself.      The  enemy  is  hunting  for  you. 


THE  CONVERSION  ;287 

Jeremiah 
Who  still  seeks  me  in  this  world? 

Baruch 

You  have  been  betrayed  j  they  know  your  hiding- 
place.      Nebuchadnezzar  has  sent  officers  in  search  of 

you. 

Jeremiah 

Let  them  come!      Blessed  be  the  slayers!      Blessed 

be  death! 

Baruch 

Jeremiah,  if  you  love  me,  seek  refuge  in  flight.     I 
cannot  bear  that  your  life  should  be  forfeited. 

Jeremiah 
No  more  love  have  I  for  anyone. 

Baruch 

[Embracing  him]  Nay,  master,  my  blood  rather  than 
yours.     I  will  die  with  you. 

[Violent  blows  are  struck  on  the  door] 

The  Crowd 

[Scattering  into  the  darkest  corners]  Alas,  alas. — 
The  Chaldeans. — Our  hour  has  come. — Jeremiah  has 
brought  disaster  upon  us. — ^Let  us  deliver  him  up. 


288  JEREMIAH 

Baruch 
Too  late!      They  are  already  here. 

Jeremiah 

Open  to  them,  Baruch.  [Baruch  hesitates. 
Jeremiah  standing  erect  s-peaks  slowly  and  clearly ^ 
almost  exultantly^  Open,  that  I  may  receive  them. 
My  soul  yearns  for  death.  Welcome,  first  fulfiller  of 
my  word !  Welcome,  Death.  Open,  Baruch !  Open 
to  the  deliverer.  [Baruch  moves  to  the  door  where 
he  again  hesitates.  The  door  i^  once  m^ore  shaken  by 
violent  blows  from  without.  Jeremiah  re-peats 
masterfully\      Open,  Baruch,  I  command  you. 

[Baruch  veils  his  face  and  unbars  the  door.  The 
two  leaves  of  the  folding  door  are  flung  ofen^  and  a 
gleam  of  the  fading  light  of  evening  -penetrates  the 
dark  crypt.  The  hinges  three  officers  enter,  richly 
appareled,  their  fgures  showing  in  strong  relief  against 
the.  red  sky.  Jeremiah  stands  alone,  confronting 
them] 

The  Chief  Officer 

{Advancing  to  the  front]  Is  the  man  named 
Jeremiah  among  you,  the  son  of  Hilkiah  of  Anathoth? 

Jeremiah 
I  am  he  whom  you  seek.      Fulfil  your  orders. 

[The  Chief  Officer  prostrates  hi^nself  before 
Jeremiah,  touching  the  ground  three  tim.es  with  his 
forehead.  The  two  other  offcers  do  the  same. 
Jeremiah,  startled,  draws  back  a  pace.  The  Chief 
Officer  rises  to  his  knees] 


THE  CONVERSION  289 

The  Chief  Officer 

Hail  to  the  interpreter  of  signs!  Honor  and  glory 
to  the  revealer  of  events,  to  the  seer  of  that  which  is 
hidden.  [Having  again  abased  himself  three  times y 
he  stands  erect;  his  comfanions  follow  his  exam-pie. 
Jeremiah,  recovering  composurey  regards  him 
gloomily]  I  bear  a  message  through  my  unworthy 
mouth  from  Nebuchadnezzar,  my  master,  king  of 
kings,  destroyer  of  nations.  Thus  saith  my  dread 
lord.  It  hath  been  reported  to  Nebuchadnezzar  that 
thou  alone  among  thy  people  foretoldest  destruction 
to  the  rebels  and  disgrace  to  those  who  goaded  on  the 
people  to  revolt.  Melted  like  lead  are  the  words  of 
the  priests  who  withstood  thy  strength  j  but  thy  warn- 
ing, like  gold,  hath  endured  the  test  of  time.  Thy 
fame  hath  reached  the  ears  of  Nebuchadnezzar,  and 
now  he  is  eager  to  set  eyes  upon  thee.  He  sendeth 
thee  raiment  such  as  is  worn  by  the  princes  of  Chaldea, 
and  will  have  thee  for  the  chief  among  his  servants 
who  wait  at  his  table. 

Jeremiah 

No  more  will  I  serve  any,  either  in  heaven  above  or 
in  the  earth  beneath,  for  I  have  served  God  and  have 
wearied  of  that  service.  Say  unto  Nebuchadnezzar 
that  I  refuse  to  serve  him. 

The  Chief  Officer 

Thou  understandest  not  the  words  of  my  lord  and 
master.  Not  to  any  menial  service  doth  he  appoint 
thee,  but  would  have  thee  to  be  the  chief  over  all  his 
servants.  Master  of  the  magicians,  astrologers,  and 
soothsayers,  shalt  thou  be,  reading  the  stars  and  fore- 


290  JEREMIAH 

telling  that  which  is  to  come.  Second  to  none  shalt 
thou  be,  but  shalt  come  and  go  in  the  palace  even  as 
thou  wilt. 

Jeremiah 

I  hear  your  words,  and  therefrom  I  learn  the  king's 
wishes.  Great  is  the  call  of  Nebuchadnezzar,  but 
greater  is  the  need  of  mine  own  people.  Hearken, 
therefore!  I  enter  not  the  palace  where  the  daughters 
of  Israel  will  scour  the  steps  as  bondwomen.  No 
bread  do  I  break  as  guest  at  the  table  of  him  who  hath 
profaned  the  temple  of  Zion.  Not  for  me  the  favors 
of  the  cruel,  nor  the  grace  of  him  who  hath  been 
pitiless. 

The  Chief  Officer 

The  message  I  brought  thee  was  a  king's  message, 
and  to  kings  obedience  is  due. 


Jeremiah 

You  brought  me  true  word  from  Nebuchadnezzar. 
Render  him  my  answer  no  less  truly.  Return  to  him 
who  sent  you,  and  say  unto  him:  "Thus  saith 
Jeremiah  to  Nebuchadnezzar.  My  bitterness  has  no 
sweetness  for  thee,  nor  shall  my  lips  minister  to  thy 
pride.  Wert  thou  to  summon  me  with  the  tongues  of 
angels,  yet  would  I  not  heed  thy  call}  wert  thou  to 
load  for  me  with  gold  all  the  stones  of  Jerusalem,  yet 
would  I  not  speak  soft  words  to  thee.  Honor  me  if 
you  wilt,  to  thee  I  pay  not  honor.  Seek  me  if  thou 
wilt,  but  thee  I  will  not  seek." 


THE  CONVERSION  291 

The  Chief  Officer 

Bethink  thee,  'tis  the  king  of  kings  who  summons 
thee  to  enjoy  the  light  of  his  countenance. 

Jeremiah 
I  refuse  to  go!      I  refuse! 

The  Chief  Officer 

Never  before  hath  any  man  refused  to  comply  with 
the  wishes  of  Nebuchadnezzar. 

Jeremiah 

Nevertheless  I  refuse,  I,  the  least  among  the  sons 
of  Israel.  Who  is  he,  that  I  should  fear  him?  His 
power  is  but  a  straw,  and  his  wrath  but  a  breath  of 
wind. 

The  Chief  Officer 

Rash  and  presumptuous  art  thou,  to  speak  thus 
lightly  of  the  king  my  master.  Curb  thy  tongue,  and 
have  a  care  for  thy  life. 

Jeremiah 

[Fiercely]  Who  is  he  that  I  should  fear  him? 
Many  have  there  been  who  bore  the  proud  name  of 
Pharaoh,  many  whose  foreheads  were  once  adorned 
with  circlets  of  gold,  but  no  man  careth  to  remember 
their  deeds,  and  no  man  taketh  pen  to  inscribe  their 
names  in  the  book  of  time.  There  have  been  mightier 
than  he,  whom  the  generations  of  men  have  forgotten 


292  JEREMIAH 

ere  the  trees  they  planted  have  rotted.  Who  is 
Nebuchadnezzar  under  the  stars,  that  I  should  fear 
him?  Is  he  not  a  worm,  even  as  other  men?  Does 
not  death  dog  his  footsteps,  and  corruption  await  his 
body?  Shall  he  escape  the  finger  of  time?  Think 
you  that  he,  more  than  another,  can  keep  that  which 
he  now  hath,  or  that  he  can  find  an  issue  from  the  doom 
which  awaits  all  the  sons  of  men?  Return,  therefore, 
to  your  master,  bearing  from  me  this  message:  "Woe 
to  the  destroyer,  for  he  shall  be  destroyed!  Woe  to 
the  robber,  for  he  shall  be  robbed.  He  who  has  drunk 
his  fill  of  blood,  shall  be  drowned  in  blood  j  he  who  has 
battened  on  the  flesh  of  the  nations,  shall  himself  soon 
become  food  for  worms!  Hearken!  A  wind  is 
rising  against  Babylon,  and  a  tempest  is  about  to  break 
over  Nineveh!  Numbered  are  the  days  of  Ashur. 
Drawn  is  the  sword,  and  it  hangs  over  thee,  thy  people, 
and  thy  realm.  Thou  art  greedy  for  news  of  that 
which  is  to  come.  Learn,  O  Nebuchadnezzar,  that 
Ashur  is  ripe  for  destruction j  the  measure  of  thine 
iniquity  is  full." 

\The  officers  shrink  before  these  fiery  words y  and 
make  gestures  as  if  to  avert  the  threatened  doom] 

The  Elder 

[Suddenly  stands  forth  from  a  dark  corner^  and 
cries  enthusiastically]  Hear  him,  O  Lord,  hear  him! 
Fulfil  the  promise  of  his  words. 

Voices 
[Im-ploringly]  Hear  him.  Lord  God  of  Sabaoth! 


THE  CONVERSION  293 

Jeremiah 

Already  hath  the  avenger  awakened,  for  the  Lord 
hath  summoned  him,  and  hath  equipped  him  with 
strength.  He  is  coming.  Already  is  he  near. 
Mighty  are  his  hands j  they  will  crush  Babylon  like  a 
bird's  nest,  and  will  scatter  the  people  of  Ashur  like 
chaff  before  the  wind.  Set  watchmen  in  the  towers 
upon  the  walls,  that  they  may  warn  you  of  his  coming j 
send  forth  men  in  armor,  bearing  sharp  spears,  that 
they  may  resist  his  onslaught.  Just  as  little  as  thou 
canst  blow  away  the  clouds  of  heaven  with  thy  breath, 
just  so  little  canst  thou  avert  the  coming  of  the  avenger, 
whose  sword  will  slay  the  children  of  Ashur. 

The  Elder 
[Ecstatically]  So  let  it  be.  Lord,  so  let  it  be! 

The  Other  Refugees 

[They  have  collected  round  The  Elder,  and  have 
caught  fire  from  his  enthusiasm]  Smite  them,  O  Lord, 
as  he  has  foretold. — Fulfil  the  words  he  has  spoken. — 
Send  the  avenger. — Cast  down  Babylon  even  as  he  has 
prophesied. — Hear  him,  O  Lord,  hear  him. 

[The  officers,  panic-stricken,  make  for  the  door] 

Jeremiah 

[In  a  frenzy  of  joy]  O  fool  among  fools,  didst  thou 
verily  believe  thou  couldst  enslave  usj  didst  thou 
verily  believe  that  God  would  forget  us,  would  forsake 
his  city  of  Jerusalem?  Are  we  not  his  children,  his 
first-born  and  his  heirs?      Is  not  his  spirit  upon  us,  and 


294  JEREMIAH 

his  blessing  upon  the  seed  of  Abraham?  He  has 
chastised  us  for  our  sins,  but  will  now  have  pity  on  us. 
What  his  left  hand  has  taken  from  us,  his  right  hand 
will  restore  a  thousandfold.  For  know,  brothers,  that 
sooner  shall  mountains  fall  and  rivers  flow  upwards, 
sooner  shall  the  stars  be  darkened,  than  that  God  shall 
forget  his  covenant,  shall  abandon  Israel,  shall  turn 
away  his  face  from  Zion. 

[The  officers  have  vanished  during  this  speech] 

The  Elder  and  The  Others 

[Thronging  round  Jeremiah]  Blessings  upon  your 
words. — Blessings  upon  your  head. — God  will  be  mind- 
ful of  Jerusalem. — O  glorious  prophecy! 

Jeremiah 

[Ignoring  them  in  his  growing  exultation]  How  dark 
were  the  days  upon  earth  when  God  frowned  upon  his 
children.  We  thought  to  perish  in  that  darkness,  to 
go  down  unto  death  in  our  anguish.  But  with  the  end 
of  his  wrath  came  the  beginning  of  his  love.  A  storm 
has  raged  j  God  has  broken  our  strength  like  a  reed. 
But  now,  once  more,  the  sun  of  his  mercy  shines  upon 
us.  He  has  laid  aside  the  lightnings}  he  has  stilled  the 
thunder  of  his  voice;  his  words  fall  softly  on  our  ears. 
Sweet  do  they  sound,  sweet  and  gentle: 

Arise,  Jerusalem, 

Arise,  city  of  afiliction. 

Fear  no  longer. 

For  I  have  compassion  upon  thee. 

I  have  been  wroth  with  thee, 

For  a  moment  I  have  forsaken  thee, 


THE  CONVERSION  295 

But  not  for  ever  doth  mine  anger  endure. 

Therefore,  since  thou  hast  been  forsaken, 

Hast  been  for  a  day  the  rejected  of  God, 

Now  shall  thy  glories  be  restored  unto  thee, 

And  now  shalt  thou  be  exalted  for  all  eternity. 

I  will  deck  thee  with  my  love, 

And  girdle  thee  with  peace, 

Will  show  thee  the  light  of  my  countenance, 

And  bestow  my  blessing  upon  thee. 

Arise,  Jerusalem, 

Arise, 

For  I  have  delivered  thee. 


The  Elder 
A  blessing  upon  your  words. 

The  Others 

Hear    him,    God.  —  Fulfil    his    words.  —  Deliver 
Jerusalem. 

Jeremiah 
Lo,  she  is  risen.  She  has  heard  the  call.  The  Lord 
has  loosened  the  fetters  from  her  limbs,  and  has  lifted 
the  yoke  from  her  neck.  He  has  wiped  the  tears  from 
her  cheeks,  has  consoled  the  widows  and  the  orphans. 
Smiles  succeed  to  sorrow.  The  season  of  blossoming 
hath  returned.  Zion  yearns  for  her  children,  that 
they  may  look  upon  her  in  her  happiness  and  rejoice  in 
her  renewal.  Already  have  the  children  of  Israel 
heard  the  summons  of  the  Lord.  Dispersed  never  so 
widely  to  the  ends  of  the  earth  and  among  the  islands 
of  the  sea,  yet  do  they  return  in  their  myriads  to  Zion. 
From  the  north  and  the  south,  from  the  east  and  the 


296  JEREMIAH 

west,  the  happy  pilgrims  come.  Their  footsteps  hasten 
across  the  hills  of  Gilead,  eagerly  do  they  make  their 
way  over  Bashan  and  Carmel,  that  they  may  see  the 
city  of  our  love,  the  city  of  our  sufFering,  the  holy 
fortress  of  Zion.  And  Jerusalem  rejoices  to  welcome 
her  children,  returned  in  countless  numbers  from  the 
prison-houses  of  exile.  Where  the  flowers  were 
withered,  new  buds  are  springing  j  where  darkness  had 
loomed,  there  shines  fresh  light  j  those  who  have  been 
dumb,  find  voice.  Jerusalem  has  risen  from  the 
tomb.  The  hills  nod  to  her  as  of  oldj  the  shadows  of 
the  mountains  lie  athwart  her  plains  j  as  dew  gleams  in 
the  meadows,  so  peace  shines  in  the  city,  the  peace  of 
the  Lord,  the  peace  of  Israel,  the  peace  of  Jerusalem! 

The  Others 

Fulfil  the  prophecy,  O  God. — Bring  peace  to  Israel. 
— Let  Jerusalem  arise. 

Jeremiah 

When  the  glad  day  comes,  and  in  Zion  we  meet. 

We,  who  so  long  have  been  captives  and  slaves, 

Who  have  dwelt  with  the  stranger  in  gloomy  abodes, 

Joyfully  reassembling, 

We  shall  pray: 

Blessed  be  thy  name,  Lord  God  of  Sabaoth! 

Great  and  wonderful  have  been  thy  mercies! 

By  the  waters  of  Babylon  we  sat  down  and  wept. 

Breaking  the  bitter  bread  of  slavery  5 

We  mingled  the  wine  In  our  pitchers  with  tears  j 

For  our  souls  were  sick  with  longing  for  home, 

And  our  servitude  was  a  daily  death. 

Then  we  called  unto  thee,  compassionate  one,  and 

called  not  in  vain. 
For  thou  didst  break  our  bonds. 


THE  CONVERSION  297 

With  the  dew  of  thy  goodness,  with  the  waters  of 

life, 
Didst  thou  quench  the  fever  of  our  thirsty  souls. 
Us  the  dispersed,  us  the  vanquished, 
Didst  thou  raise  from  the  dust  and  lead  home  to 

Zion. 
Look  on  us,  O  mountains j  look  on  us,  O  fields! 
We  have  returned,  we  have  risen  as  from  the  dead! 
Let  the  sound  of  our  streamlets  murmur  in  our 

prayers  j 
Let  the  gardens  welcome  us  with  their  flowers; 
Let  the  roses  of  Sharon  greet  us  with  their  perfume, 
The  forests  of  Carmel  and  Lebanon  with  their  shade. 
And  thou,  holy  city,  the  beloved,  ne'er  forgotten, 
The  vision  of  our  days,  and  the  dream  of  our  nights, 
The  bride  of  our  love  and  the  mother  of  us  all. 
Let  thy  cymbals  sound,  thy  flutes  breathe  notes  of 

gladness  5 
Arouse  thee  and  give  utterance  to  thy  rejoicing. 
For  we  have  returned  to  thee,  Jerusalem! 

The  Others 

[Pressing  near  him  in  their  delight ^  throwing  them- 
selves at  his  feety  em.hr acing  his  knees^  Returned!  — 
Risen  as  from  the  dead. — Glorious  prophecy. — Jerusa- 
lem.— Jerusalem. 

Baruch 

[On  his  knees]  My  master,  my  teacher,  how  sweet 
are  your  words,  how  blissful  is  your  message. 

The  Elder 
Blessed  be  he  who  brings  comfort  in  time.of  affliction. 


298  JEREMIAH 

A  Woman 
His  eyes  glow  like  stars  and  light  up  the  vault. 

Another  Woman 
God's  spirit  has  descended  on  him. 

The  Wounded  Man 

His  words  have  heartened  me.  I  live,  I  live  again. 
Oh  that  I,  too,  might  one  day  return  to  Jerusalem. 

Zephaniah 
Your  words  have  brought  me  new  courage,  Jeremiah. 

Jeremiah 

[Paying  no  heedy  but  gradually  awakening  from  his 
trance  and  looking  round  with  alarm]  Where  are  they 
to  whom  I  spake?  Surely  I  talked  with  messengers 
from  King  Nebuchadnezzar?  Have  I  been  dreaming? 
Methought  there  were  three  men,  richly  appareled. 

The  Elder 
They  fled  before  the  lightnings  of  your  glance. 

Another 
Your  anger  smote  them  like  a  sword. 

Jeremiah 

[Still  confused]  What  did  I  say?  My  mind  is 
dark,  and  yet  I  seem  to  recall  something.      What  did 


THE  CONVERSION  299 

I  say?  Why  do  you  all  look  at  me  yearningly?  Why 
do  you  crowd  round  me?  You  looked  at  me  with 
horror  in  your  faces,  but  now  .  .  .  What  has 
happened  to  me,  and  what  has  happened  to  you? 


The  Elder 

Man  of  God,  man  into  whose  heart  the  fire  of  God 
has  passed,  this  light  streams  from  you.  Mightily 
have  you  prophesied  to  us. 

A  Man 
You  have  freed  my  soul  from  its  anguish. 

A  Woman 
You  have  feasted  my  heart  on  manna. 

The  Wounded  Man 

Look  at  me.  I  can  get  up.  I  can  walk.  The  pain 
has  gone.  Your  words  have  called  me  back  from 
death. 

Voices 

A  miracle. — A  miracle  like  those  of  Elijah. — 
Raising  from  the  dead. — -Let  us  bow  before  God's 
messenger. — A  miracle. — A  miracle. 

Jeremiah 

[Gently]  Nay,  brothers,  shame  me  not  by  your 
praises.      I  have  no  part  in  what  has  befallen.      A 


300  JEREMIAH 

miracle  has  there  doubtless  been,  but  it  has  been 
wrought  on  me,  not  by  me.  I  cursed  God,  and  he  has 
blessed  mej  I  fled  from  him,  and  he  has  found  me. 
None  can  escape  his  love,  nor  can  anyone  overcome  his 
power.  He  has  vanquished  me,  my  brothers  j  and 
nothing  is  sweeter  than  to  be  vanquished  by  God. 


The  Elder 

[Ecstatically]  Jeremiah,  Jeremiah,  may  God  do  by 
all  of  us  even  as  he  has  done  by  you. 

Jeremiah 

Alas,  that  I  knew  not  the  Lord  till  so  late!  Alas, 
that  I  found  you  so  late,  my  brothers!  Dark  lies  the 
city,  and  dark  our  fatej  but  wonderful  is  life,  holy  the 
world  v/herein  we  dwell.  O  earth  which  I  have 
despised,  be  gentle  to  me  as  I  kneel  j  God,  whom  but 
now  I  renounced,  be  gracious  to  my  prayer!  [He 
kneels] 

I  thank  thee,  O  Lord,  for  thy  gentleness  toward  me. 

When  I,  froward  and  fierce,  did  thy  service  abjure. 

For  that  thou  whom  I  cursed  didst  with  blessings 
reward  me. 

My  heart  will  be  grateful  while  life  doth  endure. 

In  life  I  will  praise  thee,  in  death  I  will  praise. 

With  the  bread  of  thy  word  thou  dost  nourish  my 
days. 

Let  me  bless  thee  for  filling  my  soul  with  thy 
breath, 

With  that  spirit  of  love  which  is  stronger  than  death. 

Let  me  bless  thee  for  this,  that  harshly  thou  dravest 

Me  forth  from  thy  facej  that  sorrow  thou  gavest 


THE  CONVERSION  301 

To  me  and  to  others.     Nay,  sorrow  I  bless, 

For  when  men  keep  aloof,  lo,  the  touch  of  distress 

Makes  them  know  they  are  kin.      But  the  sorrows 

God  sendeth 
Are  the  firstfruits  of  storm,  which  in  sunshine  oft 

endeth. 
I  bless  thee  then,  God,  on  life's  journey  the  guide, 
Whom  all  seek  to  escape,  but  from  whom  none  can 

hide, 
For  the  lowliest  ever  thy  grace  can  best  win. 
And  the  sinner  thy  love,  yea,  because  of  his  sin! 
Blessed  the  man  who  can  lose  self  in  God! 
Blessed  the  man  who  is  chosen  of  God! 
Blessed  the  heaven,  in  music  ensphered, 
Blessed  the  world,  as  thy  mirror  endeared! 
Blest  the  stars  which  shine  peacefully,  far  above 

strife. 
Blest  the  quiet  of  death — ^blest  the  turmoil  of  life! 

Baruch 

[Throwing  himself  on  his  knees  before  Jeremiah] 
Jeremiah,  my  master,  Jeremiah!  Let  not  thy  word 
shine  upon  us  alone.  Many  are  waiting  in  the  market- 
place, their  souls  full  of  fear.  Give  courage  to  the 
despairing.      Fill  the  thirsty  with  the  waters  of  life. 

The  Elder 

Yea,  strengthen  the  knees  of  the  tottering.    Console 
the  afflicted! 

Voices 

Go  forth  to  our  brothers. — To  them,  as  to  us,  bring 
solace. — Give  them  the  message. — The  promise. 


302  JEREMIAH 

Jeremiah 

[Rising]  So  be  it,  brothers,  lead  me  to  them.  I 
have  been  comforted  of  God,  and  now  will  I  comfort 
others.  Let  us  go  forth,  that  we  may  build  again  the 
temple  in  the  hearts  of  the  hopeless,  may  build  there 
the  everlasting  Jerusalem.  [He  strides  out  through 
the  door] 

The  Others 

[Surrounding  him,  some  leading  the  way^  while  all 
the  voices  mingle  in  exultation]  Jerusalem. — Jerusa- 
lem the  undying. — Prophesy! — On,  God's  master- 
builder. — Jerusalem  endureth  for  ever!, 


I 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD 


SCENE  NINE 

For  I  know  the  thoughts  that  I  think  toward  you, 
saith  the  Lord,  thoughts  of  peace,  and  not  of  evil,  to 
give  you  an  expected  end.  Then  shall  ye  call  upon  me, 
and  I  will  hearken  unto  you.  And  ye  shall  seek  me, 
and  find  me,  when  ye  shall  search  for  me  with  all  your 
heart.  And  I  will  be  found  of  you,  saith  the  Lord: 
and  I  will  turn  away  your  captivity.  Jeremiah 
XXIX,  11-14. 


SCENE   NINE 

The  great  square  in  front  of  the  temfle^  as  in  the 
first  scene y  save  that  now  everywhere  signs  of  the  sack 
are  visible. 

In  the  square  we  see  a  medley  of  hand-carts  laden 
with  household  goodsy  of  fackhorses  and  other  beasts 
of  burden,  and  of  wagons.  Men  and  women,  frefar- 
ing  for  the  exodus^  are  busied  among  these.  New 
groups  continually  flock  into  the  square  from  the  sur- 
rounding streets,  and  the  noise  of  conversation  grows 
ever  louder.  The  women  and  children,  together  with 
the  men  too  old  for  work,  sit  apart  on  the  ste-ps. 
Chaldean  warriors,  fully  armed,  stride  masterfully 
through  the  crowd,  making  way  for  themselves  with 
their  spears. 

The  moon  shines  fitfully.  Gradually  the  dawn 
reddens  in  the  east. 

Voices 

This  Is  our  meeting  place. — How  many  of  us  are 
here? — Keep  together,  sons  of  Reuben. — How  dark  it 
is. — This  is  the  best  place,  so  that  we  can  lead  the  way. 


Other  Voices 

Don't  push. — This  is  our  place. — Our  mules  have 

been  standing  here  since  evening. — The  place  is  ours. — 

The  sons  of  Reuben  always  want  to  be  first. 

307 


308  JEREMIAH 

An  Elder 
Do  not  quarrel,  children.      Let  Reuben  lead  the 
way,  for  such  is  the  law. 

Voices 

There  is  no  longer  any  law. — The  scriptures  are 
burned. — Who  are  you  to  order  us  about? — It  is  the 
priests'  commandment. — There  are  no  priests  left  j  they 
have  all  been  put  to  the  sword. — Hananiah  escaped  the 
slaughter. — Nay,  they  made  an  end  of  him  too. — We 
are  leaderless. — Who  shall  give  us  the  law? — Who  will 
make  the  sacrifices  for  us  in  Babylon? — Who  will 
interpret  the  scriptures? — All  of  the  race  of  Aaron  have 
been  slain. — Woe  unto  us  that  are  orphaned. — Had  we 
but  the  ark  and  the  roll  of  the  law. — The  roll  of  the 
law  has  been  burned. — Nay,  the  word  of  God  cannot 
be  burned. — I  tell  you  I  saw  it  perish  in  the  flames. — 
Alas,  is  the  law  burned? — Impossible,  how  can  God's 
word  be  burned? — Has  not  his  house  been  burned;  has 
not  his  altar  been  overthrown? — Did  he  not  deliver 
over  his  holy  city  to  destruction? — Yea,  yea,  he  has 
made  us  the  slaves  of  our  enemies.  He  has  broken  the 
covenant. — Blaspheme  not. — I  fear  him  no  longer. — 
We  are  leaderless;  would  that  Moses  could  lead  us  as 
of  old;  would  that  there  were  still  a  judge  among  the 
people. — What  has  become  of  the  king,  him  whom  they 
blinded? — He  has  always  been  blind. — To  him  we 
owe  these  disasters. — Alas  for  the  fate  of  Israel,  the 
destruction  of  Jerusalem! 

[A  disorderly  rout,  laughing  loudly,  issues  from 
the  falace.  The  newcomers  are  the  'princes  of  Chaldea, 
with  slaves  hearing  torches.  The  princes  are  drunk. 
In  the  midst  of  the  brawling  crowd  we  see  the  figure 
of  a  man  whom  the  princes  are  buffeting  and  pushing 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  309 

one  to  another y  so  that  he  totterSy  and  is  continually  in 
danger  of  falling] 


The  Chaldean  Princes 

Are  you  ready  for  a  fresh  attack  on  Nebuchad- 
nezzar?— On,  stormer  of  Babylon. — Pillar  of  Israel, 
take  heed  lest  you  fall. — He  cannot  dance  like  King 
David. — He  cannot  play  the  psaltery. — Enough  of 
him,  let  us  go  back  to  our  wine. — I  would  rather 
amuse  myself  with  his  wives. — Let  him  drink  darkness 
while  we  drink  wine. — Come  away! 

[Laughing  and  shouting,  the  -princes  return  into  the 
falacey  leaving  the  man  of  whom  they  have  been  mak- 
ing sfort  swaying  unsteadily  as  he  stands  at  the  top  of 
the  steps.  The  m^oon  has  pierced  the  clouds y  and  his 
shadow  stretches  across  the  stone  flooring  behind  him. 
This  gives  him'  the  appearance  of  a  gigantic  wraith. 
The  crowd  beneath  is  filled  with  astonishment  and 
(ilarm\ 

Whispering  Voices 

Who  is  it? — ^Why  have  they  cast  him  out  from  their 
board? — Why  does  he  not  speak? — Look  how  he  raises 
his  hands  imploringly  to  heaven. — ^Who  is  he? — Don't 
go  near  him. — Yes,  I  will  see  who  it  is. 

\Some  of  the  bolder  spirits  have  mounted  the  steps] 


A  Voice 
[With  a  cry  of  recognition]  Zedekiah! 


310  JEREMIAH 

The  Crowd 

The  king. — The  blinded  king. — God's  judgment. — 
Zedekiah. 

Zedekiah 
[Falteringly]  Who  calls  me.? 

Voices 

No  one  calls  thee. — For  thee  there  are  naught  but 
curses,  and  God's  judgments. — Where  are  thy  Egyp- 
tian friends? — Where  is  Zion? 

Other  Voices 

Be  silent! — He  is  the  anointed  of  the  Lord,  blinded 
by  our  enemies. — Reverence  the  king. — Have  pity  on 
his  sufferings. 

The  First  Voices 

Nay,  he  shall  not  sit  among  us. — Where  are  my 

,;  children? — Give  me  back  my  children. — A  curse  on 

■^c  ,„  the  man  who  has  murdered  Israel. — He  is  to  blame  for 

all. — Why  should  he  live  when  better  men  have  died? 

Zedekiah 

[To  one  who  has  taken  his  hand  to  lead  him]  Who 
are  these  who  rail  against  me?  Are  my  foes  those  of 
mine  own  household? 

The  Guide 
Lord,  they  are  thy  companions  in  misfortune. 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  311 

Voices 

Do  not  bring  him  down  here,  for  his  lot  and  ours 
shall  not  be  mingled. — Let  him  sit  apart. — God  has 
punished  him. — A  curse  lies  upon  him. — No  longer 
■  shall  he  be  king. — Of  what  use  is  a  blind  king? 

Zedekiah 
[Wellnigh  weeping  in  his  helplessness^    Lead  me 
forth.     They  have  put  out  my  eyes,  and  now  they  will 
take  my  crown.     Hide  me  from  my  enemies. 

A  Woman 
Rest  here,  Lord  King.     Lie  down  and  rest. 

[A  couch  is  extemporized  for  Zedekiah  at  the  foot 
9ix  Ph^.  steps.     The  inquisitive  gather  round] 

The  Elder 

Keep  away,  keep  away.  Reverence  the  Lord's 
anointed.     God  has  appointed  him  our  leader. 

Voices 

How  can  a  blind  man  lead  us? — He  cannot  reign  in 
Jerusalem,  for  Zion  has  fallen. — We  are  all  slaves, 
and  slaves  need  no  leader. — Nay,  we  need  a  deliverer. 
— ^Were  but  Moses  here  to  help  us  at  this  hour. — How 
can  a  man  so  afflicted  give  us  help  and  consolation? — 
No  one  can  help  us. — See,  the  dawn  comes.  Let  us 
make  ready  for  the  journey. — Alas  the  day! — As 
wanderers  and  exiles,  we  go  leaderless  into  a  far 
country.      [Loud  chanting  is  heard  in  the  distance] 


312  JEREMIAH 

Hark,  the  trumpet. — Alas  the  trumpet  sounds. — The 
first  signal  for  departure. — No,  no,  that  is  not  a 
trumpet. — Cannot  you  hear  singing,  with  cymbals  and 
drums? — Our  enemies  are  rejoicing. — O  shame!  O 
torment ! 

\_The  chanting  draws  nearer  and  nearer y  until  indi- 
vidual voices  and  the  clashing  of  the  cymbals  can  be 
clearly  distinguished.  At  length  a  group  of  persons  is 
seen  advancingy  and  thronging  exultantly  round  a  tall 
figure] 

A  Voice 
Look!      They  are  of  our  own  people. 


Voices 

Impossible. — They  are  rejoicing. — How  could  any 
son  of  Israel  exult  on  this  day  of  sorrow? — They  must 
be  drunken  with  wine. — Assuredly  they  are  our 
brothers  of  Israel. — Who  is  it  in  their  midst? — Look 
at  that  frenzied  woman  clashing  the  cymbals! 

[The  approaching  singers,  Jeremiah  in  the  center, 
advance  in  the  pale  light  of  dawn.  Some  of  them  are 
in  truth  ecstatic  and  unsteady  in  their  movements,  as  if 
drunken;  but  others  are  of  sober  mien] 


Chanting  Voices 

Hosanna! — A  prophecy. — Jerusalem  endureth  for 
ever! — Blessed  our  return  home. — Blessed  be  the  con- 
soler, and  blessed  the  comfort  he  brings. — Hosanna!  — 
Jerusalem  endureth  for  ever! 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  313 

Voices  from  the  Crowd 

[In  excitement}  They  are  mad. — What  has  hap- 
pened?— Hark  how  they  shout  Hosanna! — ^Who  is  the 
prophet? — What  is  his  message? — Let  him  deliver  it 
to  us  also. — Who  shall  bring  us  consolation? 

A  Voice 
Look,  is  it  not  Jeremiah  whom  they  surround? 

Voices 

Yes. — No. — His  face  was  lowering,  but  this  man's 
face  is  radiant. — Nay,  it  is  he. — How  changed  he  is. — 
A  curse  upon  him  who  breathed  curses. — How  can 
sweetness  come  from  the  bitter? 

Baruch 

Hearken  to  the  message  of  comfort,  brothers.  Feed 
your  souls  with  the  word  of  God,  with  the  bread  of 
life!, 

Voices 

How  can  comfort  be  brought  by  this  man  accurst? — 
His  words  are  like  scorpions. — His  message  will  choke 
us. — ^We  have  had  enough  of  the  prophets,  for  they 
have  misled  us  one  and  all. — No,  no,  Jeremiah  gave 
us  true  warning. — I  tell  you  he  will  rub  salt  into 
our  wounds. — Away,  away,  man  without  bowels  of 
compassion! 

Baruch 

I  beseech  you  to  hear  his  message.     He  has  uplifted 


314  JEREMIAH 

our  hearts,  and  will  uplift  yours  likewise,  brothers  in 
God.. 

The  Wounded  Man 

I  testify  for  him,  I  testify  for  him!  Fevered  by  my 
wounds  I  lay  unable  to  move.  His  words  have  restored 
my  strength.     Lo,  on  me  he  hath  wrought  a  miracle. 


Voices 

Who  is  this? — Listen  to  what  he  says. — He  tells  of 
a  miracle,  and  a  miracle  is  what  we  need. — I  need  com- 
fort.— Naught  but  Zion's  valleys  will  comfort  me. — 
What  comfort  can  he  give? — Can  he  raise  the  deadj 
can  he  rebuild  the  temple? — Let  us  hear  his  message. 


The  Woman 

Balaam!     Balaam!     Balaam!      Hail,  for  that  you 
who  came  to  curse  Israel  have  blessed  us  thrice. 


Baruch 

Master,  look  upon  their  discord.  Make  their  hearts 
one,  their  spirits  fruitful.  Lift  them  from  their 
mourning,  lift  their  souls  to  God. 


Jeremiah 

[Leaving  his  companions  and  going  to  the  top  of  the 
steps]  Brothers,  in  the  darkness  I  feel  you  to  be  near 
me,  and  know  that  your  souls  are  filled  with  darkness. 
But  why  do  you  despair?     Why  do  you  lament? 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  315 

Voices 

Hearken  to  the  blasphemer. — I  warned  you  against 
him. — He  mocks  us. — He  asks  why  we  lament! — He 
rubs  salt  into  our  wounds. — Are  we  to  rejoice  on  the 
day  of  our  exodus? — Are  we  to  forget  the  dead? — He 
laughs  at  our  tears. — Silence,  let  us  hear  him. — Let  us 
hear  his  message. 

Jeremiah 

Hearken,  brothers,  give  ear  unto  my  words.  Is  all 
lost,  that  you  should  lament?  There  still  remains  the 
precious  gift  of  life. 

A  Voice 
V^hat  a  life! 

Jeremiah 

And  I  say  unto  you,  who  has  life,  has  God  also. 
Leave  it  to  the  dead  to  complain  of  those  who  have  led 
them  to  the  tomb.  We,  who  survive,  should  continue 
to  hope.  Lament  not,  despair  not,  while  breath 
remains;  neither  opening  your  mouths  in  revolt,  nor 
closing  your  ears  to  words  of  consolation. 

Voices 

Words,  only  words,  which  avail  nothing. — If  you 
would  lift  up  our  hearts,  lift  up  the  walls  of  Jerusalem. 
— Rebuild  the  fortress  of  Zion. — Alas,  he  cannot  see 
our  distress,  he  cannot  recognize  our  suffering. 

Jeremiah 

Brothers,  I  read  your  suffering  like  an  open  book, 
and  the  scroll  of  your  pain  lies  unrolled  before  me. 


3i6  JEREMIAH 

Natheless,  brothers,  I  see  a  meaning  in  this  pain  and 
suflFeringj  I  see  God  therein.  The  hour  is  sent  to  us 
for  trial.     Let  us  meet  the  test. 

Voices 

Why  should  God  try  us? — Why  should  he  visit  us, 
his  chosen  people,  with  affliction? — Why  should  he 
make  our  burden  so  heavy? 

Jeremiah 

God  sends  us  this  trial  that  we  may  know  him  to  be 
God.  To  those  of  other  nations,  few  signs  are  given 
and  little  recognition  is  vouchsafed.  They  fancy  them- 
selves able  to  see  the  face  of  the  Eternal  in  images  of 
wood  and  stone.  Our  God,  the  God  of  our  fathers,  is 
a  hidden  Godj  and  not  until  we  are  bathed  in  sorrow 
are  we  enabled  to  discern  him.  He  chooses  those  only 
whom  he  has  tried,  and  to  none  but  the  suffering  does 
he  give  his  love.  Let  us  therefore  rejoice  at  our  trials, 
brothers,  and  let  us  love  the  suffering  God  sends.  He 
has  broken  us  with  affliction,  that  he  may  sink  the  deeper 
into  the  freshly  ploughed  ground  of  our  hearts,  and 
that  we  may  be  ready  for  the  scattering  of  his  seed. 
He  has  weakened  our  bodies  that  he  may  strengthen 
our  souls.  Let  us  joyfully  enter  the  smelting  furnace 
of  his  will,  that  thereby  we  may  be  purified.  Follow 
the  example  of  your  forefathers,  and  thankfully  accept 
the  scourgingspf  the  Almighty! 

Voices 

Not  our  will  but  his. — A  blessing  on  our  trials. — I 
must  learn  to  stifle  my  complaints. — True,  our  fore- 
fathers likewise  were  in  bondage. 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  317 

Jeremiah 

Brothers,  If  we  believe  that  we  shall  arise,  already 
we  have  arisen.  What  should  we  be  without  faith? 
Not  to  us,  as  to  other  nations,  has  a  country  been  given 
to  which  we  may  cling  j  a  home,  where  we  may  tarry  j 
rest,  that  our  hearts  may  wax  fat!  Not  for  peace  have 
we  been  the  chosen  among  the  nations.  Wandering  is 
our  habitation,  trouble  our  heritage,  God  our  home. 
Do  not  for  that  reason  covet  your  neighbor's  goods;  do 
not  for  that  reason  complain.  Leave  to  others  their 
happiness  and  their  pride  j  leave  to  others  an  abiding 
place.  For  yourselves,  people  of  suffering,  gladly 
accept  trial.  Have  faith,  chosen  of  God,  seeing  that 
sorrow  is  your  heritage.  Because  it  is  your  eternal 
heritage,  therefore  are  you  chosen. 

Voices 

True  Is  the  word. — Sorrow  Is  our  heritage. — I  will 
shoulder  my  burden. — I  have  faith  in  God's  mercy. 
He  will  lead  us  now,  as  he  led  us  out  of  Egypt. — God 
will  deliver  us,  as  he  delivered  our  fathers. 

Jeremiah 

Arise,  then,  and  cease  repining.  Take  up  your  faith 
as  a  staff,  and  you  will  march  bravely  through  these 
trials  as  you  have  marched  for  thousands  of  years. 
Happy  are  we  to  be  vanquished,  and  happy  to  be  driven 
from  home ;  for  we  are  vanquished,  we  are  driven  from 
home,  by  God's  will.  Happy  are  we  to  lose  all,  that 
we  may  find  himj  happy  Is  our  hard  lot,  gladsome  our 
trial.  Kings  who  mastered  us  have  vanished  like 
smoke  J  nations  which  enslaved  us  have  .been  scattered 


31 8  JEREMIAH 

and  their  seed  has  been  destroyed  j  towns  wherein  we 
served  as  bondmen  have  been  made  desolate,  and  are 
now  the  home  of  the  jackal j  but  Israel  still  lives,  ever 
young,  for  sorrow  is  our  buttress  and  overthrow  is  our 
strength.  Through  suffering  we  have  endured  the 
assaults  of  timej  reverses  have  ever  been  our  begin- 
ning j  and  out  of  the  depths  God  has  gathered  us  to  his 
heart.  Think  of  our  former  troubles,  and  how  those 
troubles  were  met.  Think  of  Egypt,  the  house  of 
bondage,  the  first  ordeal.  Give  praise  to  affliction,  ye 
afflicted  J  give  praise  to  trial,  ye  sorely  tried  j  praise  the 
name  of  God  who,  through  tribulation,  has  chosen  us 
for  all  eternity! 

[A  wave  of  enthusiasm  answers  Ms  words.  The 
confused  medley  of  voices  gradually  gives  'place  to 
rhythmical  choruses] 

Voices 

Bondmen  of  Mizraim . 

Were  our  fathers. 

Bridled  and  bitted 

Were  our  fathers, 

IsraePs  children.  , 

Taskmasters  cruel 

Hasted  our  fathers, 

Beat  them  with  rods. 

Scourged  them  with  cords. 

Afflicted  our  fathers 

With  manifold  tasks. 

Higher  Voices 

Ere  long  the  darkness  which  encompassed  us 
Was  pierced  by  Jehovah's  compassionate  gaze. 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  319 

To  save  his  people  before  it  had  perished, 

God  raised  up  a  deliverer, 

One  of  the  house  of  Levi. 

Moses  came  to  our  aid, 

A  man  mighty  of  tongue, 

A  man  mighty  of  hand. 

He  led  us  forth  from  the  land  of  Egypt. 

He  freed  us  from  the  house  of  bondage. 

Exultant  Voices 

Those  who  had  numbered  but  seventy 

When  they  entered  the  land  of  Egypt, 

Went  out  from  it  numbering  countless  thousands, 

Driving  before  them  flocks  and  herds, 

And  bearing  with  them  great  possessions. 

Before  their  faces  went  the  pillar  of  cloud. 

Before  them  went  the  pillar  of  fire, 

And  the  angel  of  God  went  before  the  camp  of 

Israel. 
Such  was  the  first  exodus, 
Such  the  beginning  of  happiness, 
When  God  was  bringing  our  fathers  to  the  land  of 

promise. 

Jeremiah 

But  new  tribulations  awaited  us. 

Fresh  trials  j 

Forbear  not  to  recall  the  days  of  bitterness, 

Forget  not  those  days! 

Voices 
Pursuing  us, 
Came  the  army  of  Pharaoh, 


320  JEREMIAH 

Horses  and  chariots, 
And  a  multitude  of  horsemen. 
With  vengeful  clamor 
Did  they  follow  after. 
The  sea  barred  our  passage} 
Death  pressed  at  our  heels. 

Higher  Voices 

Thereupon  the  Lord  sent  the  strong  east  wind, 
Dividing  the  waters  that  the  sea  might  be  dry  land. 
The  waters  were  a  wall  unto  us, 
On  our  right  hand,  and  on  our  left. 
Thus  went  we  into  the  midst  of  the  sea 
Upon  the  dry  ground. 

Exultant  Voices 

With  the  clashing  of  arms  and  the  roaring  of  chariot 

wheels. 
Our  foes,  thirsty  for  blood,  followed  after. 
On  the  dry  ground  between  the  walls  of  the  sea. 
They  shouted  in  their  wrath  as  they  thought  to 

smite  us. 
But  Moses  stretched  forth  his  hand  over  the  sea. 
And  the  waters  returned,  and  covered  the  chariots 

and  the  horsemen, 
And  all  the  hosts  of  Pharaoh  that  came  into  the  sea 

after  them; 
Thus  did  the  Lord  overthrow  the  Egyptians  in  the 

midst  of  the  sea! 

Deep  Voices 

Thus  did  the  Lord  deliver  us  out  of  danger, 
And  lead  us  forth  from  the  land  of  bondage. 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  321 

Thus  wonderful  was  the  beginning 

Of  our  happy  and  unhappy  wanderings! 


Jeremiah 

Again  and  again  did  he  pour  over  us  the  bitterness  of 
death  and  the  waters  of  the  cup  of  trial,  that  we  might 
be  healed  for  evermore.  Bethink  ye  of  the  scorching 
days  in  the  desert,  of  the  forty  years  of  privation  ere 
we  reached  the  promised  land. 

Voices 

Parched  were  our  throats, 

Blistered  our  lips, 

Athirst  were  we 

And  anhungered, 

In  that  waterless  and  barren  region. 

Exultant  Voices 

Then  Moses  lifted  up  his  hand, 

And  with  his  rod  smote  the  rock  twice. 

Lo,  the  stone  was  riven  in  sunder. 

The  water  gushed  forth  abundantly. 

The  congregation  drank  and  their  cattle. 

And  the  wanderers  laved  their  toilworn  feet. 

Higher  Voices 

When  we  were  weary,  the  Lord  gave  us  rest. 
He  sent  cool  breezes 

To  temper  the  burning  heats  of  noontide. 
Bitter  springs  did  he  sweeten  for  our  sake. 


322  JEREMIAH 

The  wind  brought  fat  quails  from  the  sea. 
When  our  entrails  were  gnawed  with  hunger, 
Lo,  after  the  morning  dews  had  risen, 
There  lay  on  the  face  of  the  wilderness 
Manna,  small  and  round,  the  bread  of  heaven. 

Jeremiah 

Albeit,  never  was  it  granted  us  to  live  in  safety. 
Continually  did  the  Lord  chastise  us  with  his  holy 

hand. 
Ever  and  again  did  he  renew  the  tribulations  of  his 

people. 

Voices 
The  nations  stood 
Against  us  in  armsj 
Greed  and  envy 
Closed  the  roads 
Of  our  pilgrimage  J 
Cities  shut  their  gates  j 
Spears  gleamed, 
Strewing  our  path  with  death. 

Higher  Voices 

Then  God  forged  us  new  weapons. 
Making  our  hearts  like  sharp  swords. 
Giving  us  strength  against  thousands. 
Victory  over  tens  of  thousands. 

Exultant  Voices 

Trumpets  blew,  walls  fell  down ; 
Moab  was  overthrown,  and  Amalek. 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  323 

With  the  sword  we  carved  ways 

Through  the  anger  of  the  peoples  and  the  times, 

Until  our  hearts  stood  the  test, 

Until  we  reached  the  land  of  promise, 

Canaan,  where  after  labor  we  could  rest. 

Here  was  a  home  for  the  wanderers, 

Now  could  we  ungird  our  loins, 

Doff  our  shoes,  lay  aside  our  staves. 

These  staves  put  forth  green  shoots, 

Israel  blossomed,  and  Zion  arose. 

All  the  Voices 

Again  and  again  have  we  been  yoked  to  the  plough, 

Necks  bowed}  again  and  again  enslaved: 

But  never  has  he  failed  to  break  our  yoke. 

To  free  us  from  captivity  and  exile: 

From  all  our  afflictions,  all  our  privations. 

Never  has  he  failed  to  deliver  us. 

To  summon  us  home  at  last, 

To  grant  us  a  renewed  flowering. 


Jeremiah 

Have  no  fear,  have  no  fear,  that  the  Lord  will 

forsake  us! 
Mistrust  him  not,  brothers,  in  days  that  are  dark! 
For  when  he  debases  us,  when  he  afflicts  us, 
The  suffering  he  sends  is  but  sign  of  his  love. 
Then  bow  ye,  my  brothers,  bend  necks  to  the  yoke. 
Accept  gladly  the  lot  by  Jehovah  decreed. 
Know,  that  sorrow  but  proves  us,  that  trial  uplifts  us. 
That  affliction,  though  sore,  brings  us  nearer  to  God. 
Each  pang  that  we  feel  is  a  step  toward  his  kingdom. 


324  JEREMIAH 

Since  the  vanquished  on  earth  are  in  heaven  beloved. 
Up  brothers,  march  onward,  march  onward  to  God. 


Voices 

[Ecstatically]  Yea,  now  let  us  begin  our  wanderings. 
— Lead  us  forth. — We  shall  suffer,  even  as  our  fathers 
suffered. — Exodus  and  never-ending  return. — Hasten, 
hasten,  sunrise  is  at  hand. — ^Let  us  march  steadfastly 
into  slavery. — Now  as  ever,  God  will  deliver  us. — We 
will  all  go,  not  one  will  stay  behind. 

Zedekiah 

Alas,  alas!  Who  will  lead  me?  Leave  me  not 
behind!      Who  will  carry  me? 

Jeremiah 
Who  calls? 

Voices 

Let  him  stay  where  he  is. — He  is  chaff  for  the  win- 
nowing fan. — He  is  rejected  of  God.  [  To  Jeremiah] 
Lead  us,  prophet. — You  shall  be  our  master. — ^Leave 
the  outcast. 

Jeremiah 

No  one  is  an  outcast!  Whoever  calls  for  help  must 
be  heard,  for  all  our  sakes. 

Voices 

Not  he. — He  is  the  cause  of  our  troubles. — He  is 
the  rejected  of  God. — He  is  one  accurst! 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  325 

Jeremiah 

I,  too,  was  rejected  of  God,  and  God  has  heard 
my  prayer i  I,  likewise,  was  a  man  accurst,  and  God  has 
blessed  me.  Who  was  it,  crying  in  his  distress?  Let 
me  bring  him  comfort,  even  as  I  was  comforted. 

Voices 

'Tis  the  man  lying  on  the  steps. — God's  wrath  has 
smitten  his  pride. 

Jeremiah 

Why  lies  he  alone  there?     Wherefore  does  he  not 
join  us? 

Voices 

Look,  his  stars  are  darkened. — No  longer  can  he  find 
his  way,  for  he  is  blind. — They  have  put  out  his  eyes. 

Jeremiah 

[Drawing  near  the  recumbent  figure  with  'profound 
emotion]  Zedekiah!      Lord  King! 

Zedekiah 
Is  it  thou,  Jeremiah? 

Jeremiah 

It  is  I,  Lord  King.      I  am  thy  faithful  servant, 
Jeremiah.     [He  kneels  beside  the  king]    - 


326  JEREMIAH 

Zedekiah 

Scorn  me  not!  Drive  me  not  from  thee,  as  I 
drave  thee  from  me!  Thy  words  have  burned  me  to 
ashes,  man  of  might.  Now  leave  me  not  alone  in  the 
hour  of  mine  anguish.  Be  with  me,  as  you  swore 
before  God  when  last  we  met. 

Jeremiah 
I  am  with  thee,  King  Zedekiah. 

Zedekiah 

[Groping  for  him]  Where  art  thou?  I  cannot  find 
thee. 

Jeremiah 

I  am  at  thy  feet,  thy  servant  and  thy  slave. 

Zedekiah 

[Trembling]  Mock  me  not  before  the  people,  nor 
bow  thyself  in  reverence  to  one  abased.  The  oil 
wherewith  I  was  anointed  hath  turned  to  blood  upon 
my  brow.     My  crown  is  dust. 

J 

Jeremiah 

Thou  hast  become  the  king  of  sorrows,  and  never 
wert  thou  more  kingly.  Zedekiah,  I  stood  upright 
before  thee  when  I  faced  thee  in  thy  strength,  but  I 
bow  myself  before  thee  now  that  God  hath  brought 
thee  low.    Anointed  by  suffering,  lead  us  forth!    Thou 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  327 

who  now  seest  God  only,  who  no  longer  seest  the  world, 
guide  thy  people.     [He  rises  and  faces  the  multitude^ 

Behold,  behold. 

Children  of  sorrow,  children  of  God, 

The  Lord  hath  hearkened  to  your  cry. 

He  hath  sent  you  a  leader! 

One  crowned  with  suffering, 

One  scorned  of  men! 

Who  is  more  fitted  than  he 

To  reign  over  those  that  are  blessed  by  defeat? 

God  hath  closed  Zedekiah's  eyes  on  earth 

That  he  may  better  see  the  glories  of  heaven. 

Brothers,  has  any  son  of  the  house  of  David 

Been  so  fitted  as  he  to  be  king  of  the  sorrowful? 

Zedekiah 

Whither  would  you  take  me?      What  will  become 
of  me? 

Jeremiah 

Lift  him  up. 

Him  who  has  been  abased, 

Pay  him  all  honor! 

Harness  the  horses. 

Make  ready  the  litters, 

Tenderly  lift  him, 

Israel's  guardian. 

King  over  Zion. 

\_The  king  is  lifted  with  all  signs  of  resfect^  and  is 
f  laced  in  a  litter.  A  trumpet  sounds  in  the  distance. 
There  is  a  red  glow  upon  the  walls  as  the  day  dawns. 
The  sky  has  cleared. .  A  tremor  runs  through  the 
crowd  at  the  sound  of  the  trutnpet\ 


328  JEREMIAH 

Voices 

The  signal! — The  first  signal! — God  summons  us. — 
The  day  of  our  trial  has  dawned. — Soon  the  sun  will 
shine  over  Jerusalem. — The  exodus. — The  exodus. — 
Exodus  and  return. — Jerusalem. — ^Jerusalem. 

Jeremiah 

[  With  confident  frtien,  strides  up  the  steps  once  more. 
The  crowd  has  drawn  backy  and  he  stands  alone  at  the 
topy  looking  taller  than  ever  in  his  isolation^ 

Up,  ye  rejected, 

Up,  all  ye  vanquished, 

Brisk  for  the  journey! 

Wanderers, 

Chosen  of  God  and  the  world, 

Lift  up  your  hearts! 

[A  surge  of  activity  passes  through  the  crowd, 
Jeremiah  ga'zes  out  over  the  city] 


On  Jerusalem's  pinnacles 
Now  for  the  last  time 
Look  through  your  tears. 
Carry  with  you  the  image 
Of  the  home  you  so  love. 
Drink  your  fill  of  the  towers, 
Drink  your  fill  of  the  walls. 
Drink  your  fill  of  Jerusalem. 


Voices 

Yea,  yea,  ere  we  go 

Let  us  drink  our  fill  of  Jerusalem. 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  329 

Jeremiah 

Bend  down  a  last  time, 

Piously  caressing 

Your  native  earth. 

[He  apostrophizes  the  earth\ 

Earth  drenched  with  blood  and  tears, 

Lo,  I  touch  you 

With  loving  hand. 

The  memory  of  this  touch 

Shall  go  with  me, 

Shall  be  an  undying  hunger. 

\He  addresses  the  people  once  more] 

Unceasingly, 

Wherever  we  wander, 

Shall  we  be  anhungered, 

Shall  we  be  athirst. 

For  Zion! 

Voices 
Unceasingly, 
Wherever  we  wander. 
Shall  we  be  anhungered. 
Shall  we  be  athirst. 
For  Zion ! 

Jeremiah 

Wanderers,  chosen  of  God, 

Filled  with  your  hunger,  your  thirst. 

Having  now  said  your  farewells, 

Manfully  turn  to  the  journey. 

Look  forward,  not  backward. 

Stay-at-homes 

Have  home  J 

Wanderers 


li 


330  JEREMIAH 

Have  the  world! 
God's  are  the  ways 
On  which  ye  shall  walk. 
y      Made  wise  through  suffering, 
Wanderers,  chosen  of  God, 
On,  through  the  world! 

The  People 
Shall  we  ever  see  Jerusalem  again? 

Jeremiah 
He  who  believes,  looks  always  on  Jerusalem. 

The  People 
Who  shall  rebuild  the  city? 

Jeremiah 

The  ardor  of  desire,  the  night  of  prison,  and  the 
suffering  which  brings  counsel. 

The  People 
Will  it  endure? 

Jeremiah 

Yea.  Stones  fall,  but  that  which  the  soul  builds  in 
suffering,  endureth  for  ever. 

[There  is  a  hustle  among  the  crowd,  as  all  make 
ready  for  the  start.  The  trumpet  sounds  again.  It  is 
now  quite  light.  The  crowdy  eager  to  begin  the  exodus, 
greets  the  second  blast  of  the  trumfet  with  a  shout  of 
im'patience'\ 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  331 

[Raising  his  voice  to  dominate  the  tuinult\ 

Wanderers,  sufferers,  march  in  the  name 

Of  your  forefather  Jacob,  who  erstwhile  with  God, 

Having  wrestled  the  livelong  night. 

Strove  till  dawn  for  a  blessing. 

March  on  in  the  morning  light 

By  a  path  like  that  which  your  forefathers  trod, 

When  from  Mizraim  forth  by  Moses  led 

Toward  the  land  of  promise  their  way  they  sped. 

Scatter  your  seeds,  scatter  your  seeds, 

In  unknown  lands. 

Through  numberless  years. 

Wander  your  wanderings,  watered  with  tears. 

On,  people  of  Godj  for,  wherever  ye  roam. 

Your  road  leads  through  the  world  to  eternity,  home. 

\The  march  begins  in  silence.  At  the  head  of  the 
frocessiony  the  king  is  borne  in  a  litter.  In  due  order y 
tribe  by  tribe^  the  wanderers  jail  into  line  and  move 
towards  the  gate.  They  gaze  heavenwardy  singing  as 
they  m-archy  so  that  the  exodus  has  the  solemnity  of  a 
religious  'procession.  There  is  neither  haste  nor  lag- 
gingy  but  a  rhythmic  movement  forward.  The  files 
succeed  one  another  in  an  endless  train.  An  infinite 
on  the  march\ 

First  Chorus  of  Wanderers 

In  strangers'  houses  now  must  we  dwell, 
Eating  bread  salted  with  tears. 
By  an  enemy's  hearth,  with  souls  full  of  dread, 
Must  we  sit  upon  stools  of  shame. 
The  weight  of  the  years  will  lie  heavy  upon  us 
When,  captives  and  bondmen,  we  must  serve  men 
of  might. 


332  JEREMIAH 

But  from  exile  escaping,  from  bondage  redeemed, 
To  Jerusalem  homing,  to  Zion  returning, 
Our  spirits  shall  ever  be  free  and  at  rest. 

Second  Chorus  of  Wanderers 

Our  drink  must  be  drawn  from  distant  waters  j 
Evil  their  taste,  bitter  in  the  mouth. 
We  must  shelter  from  the  sun  beneath  strange  trees, 
Their  leaves  breathing  fear  as  they  rustle  in  the 

wind. 
But  we  shall  win  solace  from  the  starry  skies  j 
Dreams  of  home  will  comfort  our  nights  j 
Our  souls  will  find  continual  refreshment 
In  the  thought  of  Jerusalem. 

Third  Chorus  of  Wanderers 

We  shall  journey  by  unfamiliar  roads; 

The  wind  will  carry  us  afar,  through  many  lands j 

Weary  shall  we  be,  footsore  and  weary. 

As  the  nations  drive  us  from  home  after  home. 

Nowhere  at  all  will  they  suffer  us  to  take  root, 

Perpetual    our    pilgrimage    through    the   changing 

world. 
Yet  happy  shall  we  be,  eternally  vanquished; 
Happy  shall  we  be,  chaff  blown  by  the  breeze; 
Kindred  to  none,  and  by  none  made  welcome; 
For  through  the  ages  our  path  leads  unerringly, 
To  the  goal  of  our  desire, 
Jerusalem! 

[A  few  ChaldeanSy  among  them  a  caftamy  have  come 
out  from,  the  falace.  Some  of  them  are  half  drunk. 
Their  voices  sound  shrill  in  contrast  with  the  chanting 
of  the  wanderers^ 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  333 

The  Captain 

The  dogs  are  mutinous.  They  murmur  against 
their  fate.     Beat  them  with  rods  if  they  refuse  to  go. 

A  Chaldean 

Look,  Captain,  they  have  not  waited  for  an  order. 
There  is  no  sign  of  mutiny. 

The  Captain 
If  they  complain,  strike  them  on  the  mouth. 

The  Chaldean 
Captain,  they  are  not  complaining. 

Another  Chaldean 

Watch  them  marching.  They  stride  along  like 
conquerors.     Their  eyes  flash  with  joy. 

The  Chaldeans 

What  people  are  these? — Have  they  not  been  van- 
quished?— Can  anyone  have  spread  among  them  false 
tidings  of  liberation? — What  are  they  chanting? — A 
strange  people. — No  one  can  understand  them,  whether 
in  their  dejection  or  in  their  exultation. — Their  very 
gentleness  is  a  danger,  for  it  has  a  strength  of  its  own. 
— This  resembles  rather  the  triumphal  entry  of  a  king, 
than  the  exodus  of  an  enslaved  people. — Saw  the  world 
ever  such  a  nation? 


J 


,334  JEREMIAH 

Fourth  Chorus  of  Wanderers 
\Here  Jeremiah  inconsficuously  joins  his  tribe\ 

Through  ages  we  wander,  we  march  through  the 

nations, 
The  tale  of  our  sufferings  ever  renewed  j 
Aeon  after  aeon  eternally  vanquished. 
Thralls  at  the  hearths  where  in  passing  we  rest. 
But  the  cities  wither,  and  the  nations 
Shoot  into  darkness  like  wandering  stars. 
The  oppressors  who  scourged  us  with  many  whips 
Have  become  a  hissing  and  a  byword  among  the 

generations. 
Whereas  we  march  onward,  march  onward,  march 

onward, 
Drawing  strength  from  within,  eternity  from  earth, 
And  God  from  pains  and  tribulations. 

The  Chaldean  Captain 

Verily  madness  has  seized  them.  We  are  the  victors, 
they  the  defeated  and  the  disgraced.  Why,  then,  do 
they  not  complain? 

A  Chaldean 

I  An  invisible  force  must  sustain  them. 

Another  Chaldean 

True,  they  believe  in  the  invisible.  That  is  the 
mystery  of  their  faith. 

The  Captain 

How  is  it  possible  to  see  the  invisible,  or  to  believe 
in  what  cannot  be  seen?      They  must  have  secret  arts. 


THE  EVERLASTING  ROAD  335 

like   those   of   our   astrologers   and   soothsayers.       It 
would  be  well  to  learn  their  mysteries. 


The  Chaldean 

These  mysteries  cannot  be  taught  j  the  secret  lies  in 
faith.  What  sustains  them,  they  say,  is  their  faith  in 
the  invisible  God. 


Fifth  Chorus  of  Wanderers 

We  wander  adown  the  road  of  suffering. 
Through  our  trials  we  are  purified, 
Everlastingly  vanquished,  and  everlastingly  over- 
thrown. 
For  ever  enslaved,  for  ever  enfranchised. 
Unceasingly  broken  and  unceasingly  renewed. 
The  mock  and  the  sport  of  all  nations  on  earth. 
We  wander  through  the  eternities, 
A  remnant,  a  remnant, 
And  yet  numberless. 
We  march  onward  to  God, 
To  God  who  is  the  beginning  and  the  end. 
To  God  who  is  our  home. 


The  Chaldean 

See  how  they  are  walking  to  meet  the  sun.  His 
light  shines  on  their  foreheads,  and  they  themselves 
shine  with  the  strength  of  the  sun.  Mighty  must  their 
God  be. 


336  JEREMIAH 

The  Captain 

Their  God?  Have  we  not  broken  down  his  altars?, 
Have  we  not  conquered  him? 

The  Chaldean 

Who  can  conquer  the  invisible?  Men  we  can  slay, 
but  the  God  who  lives  in  them  we  cannot  slay.  A 
nation  can  be  controlled  by  force  j  its  spirit,  never. 

[For  the  third  time  the  trumfet  sounds.  The  sun 
has  rtseriy  shining  on  the  exodus  of  the  chosen  'peo^ple^ 
beginning  their  march  athwart  the  ages] 


7' 


I 


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